Celani Sikhakhane brings you the latest KwaZulu-Natal news.
Kranskop: The co-founder of the first female-led Maskandi group, iMithente, Dumisile kaManana-Mthalane, was described as a hero who fought hard for other women to change South Africa ahead of the first democratic elections.
This was revealed by KZN Premier Thami Ntuli on Sunday at Manana-Mthalane’s funeral, held at her home in Makhabeleni village in Kranskop.
Manana-Mthalane died last Sunday after an illness related to diabetes.
She founded the group along with Buselapho Gxowa.
Their most famous song was Simqonda Ngqo, which topped the charts at my radio station and later became an anthem for many traditionalists. The song was about being fearless in any dangerous situation.
UKZN: An 83-year-old priest, an award-winning pianist, and a 27-year-old student are among the 247 doctoral graduates who will receive their PhD degrees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) graduation ceremonies, starting on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, at the Westville Campus in Durban.
Fr. Pheko Matthews Thinane, the oldest graduand at this year’s autumn graduation, has earned his PhD from the School of Religion and Social Transformation—marking a significant achievement in a life dedicated to faith, service, and scholarship. A semi-retired Catholic priest from Gauteng who remains active in the Church, Thinane embarked on his doctoral journey after completing his memoirs. His thesis presents a comparative study of healing practices and experiences found in the Gospel of Mark and the testimony of Meshack Hadebe, offering a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature in African Theology.
Durban: The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will convene a meeting with all commanders and commissioned officers within the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal.
The meeting will be an accountability session where commanders will account for their performance for the 2024/2025 financial year, reflect on shortcomings, and outline how they plan to remedy the situation.
Pictured above: Women of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church paying tribute to the late Maskandi legend Mrs Dumisile Manana-Mthalane at her funeral in Kranskop on Sunday.
Image source: KZN Office of the Premier
