Tributes Flow for Manqoba Ntombela Ahead of Memorial

A memorial service will be held tomorrow, Wednesday 21 May, for revered South African musician, Manqoba Ntombela.

The 62-year-old businessman was shot and killed last Friday, 16 May, outside his home after leaving his spaza shop in Heidelberg, Gauteng.

Known for founding the iconic group Woza Afrika, Ntombela gained fame with their hit song “Istokvel” in the 1990s. In addition to his music career, he was a respected community leader, businessman, and educator, contributing to local development initiatives.

His passing has left a deep void in South Africa’s music and business communities. Tributes continue to pour in from friends, fans, and artists, celebrating his legacy as a cultural trailblazer and a pillar of the Ratanda community.

The memorial will take place at noon at the Ratanda Multi-Purpose Centre in Heidelberg.

The family confirmed that Ntombela will be buried in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, though further funeral details will be shared later. A spokesperson for the family has requested privacy during this difficult time and urged the public to respect the ongoing investigation into his death.

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