Tears flowed as Nandi Seema delivered a heart-wrenching tribute to her daughter, Xabiso Kambi, an upcoming and highly talented performing artist whose life was brutally cut short.
The funeral service was held at Farramere Community Centre in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 10 January.
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She was shot and killed on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, while helping at her family’s bottle store in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, a place where she had been working with love, dedication and a smile that could light up a room.
Speaking with a heavy heart, Seema described her daughter as a rare jewel, humble, brave and intelligent, full of life and promise.
“My daughter had everything going for her. She was strong, she was kind, and she was always willing to help others. Losing her feels like losing a part of my soul,” said Seema.
Although Xabiso had passed matric and was expected to study medicine at Medunsa, her mum soon realised that her daughter’s first love was art.
“I remember the day we were driving to Medunsa in Pretoria to register her. I could see she was not happy, quiet, not herself. I then said to her, ‘My child, let’s go back to Johannesburg so you can follow your heart.’ That’s when she registered for fine art,” Seema said.
Xabiso’s love for music and performance was undeniable. One of Seema’s fondest memories is of a night when her daughter practised for auditions, completely lost in her art.
Sibongile Mkhize holds the funeral programme of her cousin Xabiso Kambi, remembering her vibrant life. Photo by Happy Mnguni
Family members carry the coffin of talented singer and stage artist Xabiso Kambi, mourning a life cut tragically short. Photo by Happy Mnguni
“She waited until we were asleep, then she sang her lungs out. I went outside thinking someone was disturbing the neighbours.”
“When I found her, I told her she was making noise. She laughed and said, ‘Mom, I’m practising for my auditions. Even the neighbours will be okay, I’m singing for them.'”
Seema said Xabiso had a bright future ahead, and her sudden death has left deep painful scars.
“This death has reopened old wounds for our family. We had already buried Xabiso’s uncle, who was also shot and killed a few years ago.”
“First it was my brother, now my daughter. Our family has been broken twice. The pain is unbearable,” said Seema.
Xabiso’s sister, Thato Kambi, also struggled to hold back tears, describing her sister as not just a sibling, but a best friend.
“I have lost a special person. She was humble, caring and always wanted to see everyone happy. Her passing has left a huge void in our family and in the community. We will miss her forever. She has gone too soon.
“Xabiso leaves behind dreams unfulfilled, songs unsung, and we, as a family, are drowning in grief, holding only memories of a girl who had so much to give and so much determination to reach her goals,” said Thato.
Xabiso’s teachers and peers at the National School of Art also paid tribute to her extraordinary talent.
Pamela Ndlovu, who taught Xabiso, described her as a powerhouse.
“Death has robbed us of a superstar, a young, brave girl who gave her best on stage every time. I remember watching her perform in Inala at Joburg Theatre.
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“I wasn’t even sure it was her at first. When I checked the programme and saw her name, I thought, ‘Yes, she’s going to show them what she’s capable of.’ What a star we have lost,” she said.
She said Xabiso’s passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew her, but her talent, passion and vibrant spirit will be remembered forever.
