Kamogelo Seekoei

Kamogelo Seekoei

Hundreds of mourners, mainly from the entertainment industry, attended the funeral service of "supreme star" Lindiwe "Doobsie" Chibi yesterday.

The service, held at the University of Johannesburg Vista campus in Klipspruit, Soweto, was followed by Chibi's burial at Westpark Cemetery.

Chibi, the actress who first played Doobsie in the popular local soapie Muvhango, died of pneumonia last week at the Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital. She was 31.

Past and present Muvhango cast members attended and were seated behind Chibi's family.

The compere, actor and director Sello Maake ka Ncube, referred to Chibi as "one of the best actresses of our time".

Most speakers lauded Chibi as a talented and dynamic actress who knew how to capture a character and bring it to life.

Sindi Dlathu, who plays the part of Thandaza, Doobsie's arch-enemy in Muvhango, said that the only way to comfort herself about Chibi's untimely loss was to remember all the good moments she had shared with her.

She said Chibi was courageous and explosive: "Lindi used to fight my battles and now I don't know who is going to do that anymore."

Duma Ndlovu, the creator of the soapie, said it was typical of Doobsie to play pranks on people because she had been a lively being who was a package of contradictions.

"Lindiwe was a typical township girl. We tried to clean her up and put her in a costume but no, not Lindiwe," he said.

Speakers included Tony Kgoroge who could not contain his emotions, Florence Masebe and Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa.

Judith Sephuma, Jabu Hlongwane, Elle and Joyous Celebration soothed the mourners with their silky, rhythmic and melodic voices.

lTo view a video of the service go to www.sowetan.co.za