Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe will visit the family of legendary South African musician Bernard “Babsy” Mlangeni on Wednesday, 7 October to convey her condolences following his death.
Mabe will pay her respects to the family as the country mourns the musician, singer, guitarist and composer whose career spanned almost six decades.
Mlangeni died last Thursday night after a short illness. He was 83.
He was born in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943. He lost his sight at the age of three.
He later went to the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town, where he learnt to play the guitar.
He became the lead singer of The All-Rounders, a group whose sound helped shape what became known as township soul.
His hits include Sala Emma, Bua Nnete, Botsotso and Umadlembathini.
Mlangeni was known for his distinctive voice and music, which reached audiences across generations, languages and communities.
He sang in isiZulu, Sesotho and isiXhosa, which helped his music cross language and cultural lines.
He built his career at a time when blind musicians faced many obstacles. He also mentored fellow visually impaired musician Steve Kekana.
Speaking on 702 last year, he said people used to believe blind people could achieve nothing, “but I have proved them wrong.”
His contribution to South African music was recognised by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture through its Living Legends initiatives.
In 2017, he received a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2025, he received the Artist Living With Disability Award at the National Arts and Culture Awards.
The chairperson of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Makhi Feni, also sent condolences. He described Mlangeni as “our very own Stevie Wonder”.
Mabe said Mlangeni’s contribution would remain part of the country’s cultural heritage.
“Babsy Mlangeni’s contribution to our music and cultural heritage will remain an important part of South Africa’s story. His life demonstrated the power of talent, resilience and creativity, and his music touched generations of South Africans. As we stand with the Mlangeni family during this difficult period, we also honour the remarkable legacy that Babsy leaves behind,” said Mabe.
The department said Mabe’s visit would also reflect on the importance of preserving and celebrating the work of South Africa’s cultural legends.
The department extended its condolences to the Mlangeni family, friends, fellow musicians and the wider creative community.
