The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) dips its revolutionary banner in honour of one of the founding pillars of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, uBabaAlbert Mazibuko. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades in music, and the entire Ladysmith Black Mambazo collective. We mourn not only the loss of a musician but the passing of a custodian of working-class culture, history, and resistance.
Albert Mazibuko was part of a generation that carried the soul of the oppressed through song. Isicathamiya is not just music: it is the voice of the migrant worker, born in the brutal conditions of apartheid capitalism: in the mines, in the compounds, and in the single-sex hostels where African men were forcibly separated from theirfamilies. In those dark and dehumanising conditions, workers created beauty out of pain.
Through Isicathamiya and alongside cultural expressions like gumboot dancing, workers forged solidarity, unity, and preserved dignity, and resisted the psychological violence of apartheid. This music became their refuge, their communication, and their quiet rebellion. It is this tradition that Albert Mazibuko helped build and carry to the world. Together with the legendary founder Joseph Shabalala, whose passing still weighsheavily on the nation, Mazibuko and his comrades transformed Isicathamiya from hostel competitions into a global symbol of African excellence, unity, and resistance.
A Global Beacon of South African Culture and Working-Class Heritage
As we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a group that has carried the South African flag with dignity and pride across the world for more than six decades. From the dusty hostels and rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal to the grand stages of the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazoelevated Isicathamiya from a marginalised working-class tradition into a globally recognised art form.
Their achievements are unparalleled:
- Multiple Grammy Awards, placing South African indigenous music firmly on the global stage
- Their historic collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland album, which introduced millions around the world to Isicathamiya and South African music during one of the darkest periods of apartheid
- Performances across the world before global audiences, heads of state, and at major international platforms, where they represented the resilience of the South African people.
- Collaborations with leading international artists, while remaining firmly rooted in African identity and tradition
Through all this success, they never abandoned their origins.
They sang in isiZulu.
They preserved the harmonies of the hostels.
They carried forward the discipline, humility, and collective spirit of the working class.
At a time when apartheid sought to isolate South Africa from the world, Ladysmith Black Mambazobecame cultural ambassadors of the struggle, showing the world the humanity, unity, and creative power of our people. Even after the passing of Joseph Shabalala, the group did not die. The sons, cousins, and successors rose to ensure that this powerful legacy continues as an act of cultural resistance and continuity.
A Legacy that United a Divided Nation
Ladysmith Black Mambazo did more than entertain.They crushed the tribal, ethnic, and regional divisions deliberately engineered by apartheid and colonialism. Through their harmonies, they reminded us that theworking class is one, whether from KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, or the Western Cape.
Today, Isicathamiya is sung across every corner of our country: uniting communities, connecting generations, and anchoring us in our shared African heritage. This is the legacy that Albert Mazibuko leaves behind.
SAFTU calls on workers and the broader working class:
- To understand the deep historical connection between Isicathamiya and the struggles of workers under apartheid
- To honour this legacy not only in words, but through continued support for Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- To actively support locally produced and African music that preserves our history, identity, culture,and dignity.
In a time when global corporate culture threatens to erase local traditions, defending our music is part of defending our struggle. The cruel death may have silenced the voice of Albert Mazibuko, but the harmonies he helped build will echo in the hostels, in the townships, in the villages, and across the world for generations to come.
May his soul rest in revolutionary peace.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima. Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
