South African artist and teacher Thembisile Twala has sadly passed away.
Mzansi was introduced to her when Kwaito superstar Zola 7 featured her on the smash hit Don’t Cry from his album, Bhambatha, in 2004.
Zola discovered the singing sensation on his SABC show Zola 7 in 2003.
Gauteng Choristers announced her passing on Saturday, 1 March, on their Facebook page.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our longest-serving members (joined in 2003), Thembisile Twala. May her soul rest in peace. We are shattered as a choir,” read the terse statement.
It’s reported that she suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital.
Empangeni High School (EHS) principal Sizwe Zwane, where she taught, said the news of her passing has devastated the EHS community.
“On behalf of the EHS community, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our dear sister Thembisile Twala who passed away yesterday.
“May God be with the staff of Phendukani Full-Service School, our partners in the education village where she was working as a choir conductor and teacher.
“Empangeni High School appreciates the contribution she made as a music teacher and conductor.
“This is a big loss to the choral fraternity. We were confident that she was going to recover; unfortunately, God had a different plan. May her soul rest in peace.”
