19.04.2025
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Doc Shebeleza remembered as a selfless family man

4 mins



  • Doc Shebeleza’s children during his memorial service at the SABC premises in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

2 minutes

The late Kwaito legend Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane has been described as a man of integrity, who continuously worked towards the upliftment of his peers in the Kwaito music industry.

During an emotional memorial service at the SABC’s M1 studio in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, government officials, legends in the kwaito music industry, family and friends gathered to celebrate and pay tribute to his life.

But the mood switched from sombre to celebratory when rapper and songwriter, Refiloe Phoolo, popularly known as Casper Nyovest, took to the stage to render a musical item.

Many remembered him as not just a celebrity, but a philanthropist and God-loving family man, who never wanted to be known as a celebrity but rather as a son, brother, father and friend.

The Ghets-Ghetsa star passed on at his home in Fairlands, north of Johannesburg at the age of 51.

His children and grandchildren noted that he was a selfless father, who supported educational initiatives, charity drives and taught them philanthropy and respect.

“If I had to choose a father in my next life, I would still choose my dad,” one of his daughters said.

Contrary to African culture, where men are not allowed to have their caps or hoods on during an occasion as a memorial service, one of his sons donned a cap throughout the service.

This he said was in honour of his late dad who, among other things, will be remembered for his ‘trademark’ cap, as he duly apologised for having it on.

Shebeleza, whose name will forever be engraved in the history books of Kwaito music and whose hits which include the likes of Ebumnadini and S’kumfete, will be buried on Saturday.

The funeral service will start at his home in Fairlands and proceed to the Old Apostolic Church near his home.

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