Zimbabwean artist pays tribute to Mbuli in style

Friday 24 May 2013 16:43

Sthembiso Sithole

While the funeral service of Vuyo Mbuli was underway,
Zimbabwean artist Lebani Sirenje
painted a picture of Mbuli (Sthembiso Sithole)

Zimbabwean artist Lebani Sirenje paid tribute to renowned radio and TV presenter Vuyo Mbuli at his funeral at St. John's College in Houghton in style. Mbuli died after collapsing while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium last weekend.

While the service was underway, Sirenje painted a picture of Mbuli. According to Sirenje the Morning Live and SAfm presenter inspired him to reach his dreams.

"Mr Mbuli played a huge part in my life since I arrived here in South Africa in 1996. I always watched him in the morning and he was good at what he does best. I wanted to show my last respect to Mbuli and this is my way to show it. He was a legend and may his soul rest in peace."

The panting which shows Mbuli wearing a grey suite caught the eyes of many mourners who ranged from political leaders such as Congress of the People Mosiuoa Lekota and ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu to SABC board members.

Meanwhile, emotional 3Talk host Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu read a letter from the former president Thabo Mbeki. Mbeki described Mbuli as a man who was dedicated to his job.

Musician Sipho 'Hotstix’ Mabuse also paid his tribute to Mbuli. "Vuyo meant a lot too many people. The relationship that I had with him goes beyond him being on TV. I knew him before he was on TV. We grew up in the same neighbourhood," says Mabuse.