×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Death reunites group

REUNION: Pretoria gospel group Masole a Tumelo during the burial of a former member on Saturday. PHOTO: ALFRED MOSELAKGOMO. 20/07/08. © Sowetan.
REUNION: Pretoria gospel group Masole a Tumelo during the burial of a former member on Saturday. PHOTO: ALFRED MOSELAKGOMO. 20/07/08. © Sowetan.

Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

Burying the hatchet took on a new meaning for a group of Pretoria gospel singers when the death of a colleague brought them together with their "detractors" at the weekend.

After a protracted battle over payments and unfair dismissals that marred the image of the group, the divided members united on Saturday to bid farewell to late fellow singer Fana Bocube.

Earlier this year Paballo Bilankulu, Mmatlala Maisela and Betty Ribane refused to be part of the group after having half of their salaries deducted by the group's managers for failing to report for practice sessions.

Before this incident the other three singers, Sheila Mahlangu, Esther Monareng and Gladys Dube, were fired after they had been made to choose between the choral group's activities and attending church during a visit by the St Engenas Zion Christian Church brass band.

The band's visit coincided with the group's scheduled recording date. When the three chose to go to church the group was forced to record without them and they were fired.

The Soshanguve-based Masole a Tumelo consists of 12 singers who are members of St Engenas ZCC.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.