Amos Masondo

Amos Masondo

All of us are of one view: we have lost a person of enormous value to South Africa and to the world.

As an artist, she has done a lot to expose the plight of South Africans under apartheid.

On behalf of the City of Johannesburg and all its citizens, we send our heart-felt condolences to the Makeba family.

Forced into exile, she continued her singing career in America and Europe where she performed with some of the greatest names such as Harry Belafonte, Miles Davis and Nina Simone. Throughout her successes, she never forgot where she came from - she stayed true to her roots.

Johannesburg mourns the death of the "Empress of African Song", and thinks back with gratitude to the contribution she has made. We salute her for being herself and for nurturing so many others.

Miriam Makeba's death leaves a great void among millions of South Africans who grew up with her songs and drew inspiration from her spirited resistance against oppression. Johannesburg celebrates the life and achievements of Mama Afrika, and together with all our compatriots we mourn a great loss.

We can only remember Makeba and truly honour her by continuing from where she left off and doing all the good things she did and more. In this city, we will do everything in our power to build on from all the positive legacy she has left behind.

lAmos Masondo is the mayor of Johannesburg