Jabu Hlongwane: We thank God for allowing us to walk with her
Image: May 08 2018 Pastor Jabu Hlongwane memorial services of Siyasanga Kobese at the Newtown Music Factory in Johannesburg. Pic Veli Nhlapo/SowetanBy Purity Lisa on May 9, 2018
Joyous Celebration founder Jabu Hlongwane was among the last to pay tribute to Siyasanga Kobese. This was during the memorial service that was held yesterday afternoon. His speech evoked bittersweet emotions among mourners.
He started by talking of how Siyasanga came for the auditions having quit her job and was dressed in overalls. They had no option but to hire her.
“She came dressed in overalls‚ but that was Siyasanga. Then we decided to put her on stage that very same night.”
For Jabu, there was potential for Siyasanga to flourish even more than she already had.
“It feels like she stayed longer at Joyous than she ever did. We thank God for allowing us to walk with her. There was a potential for her to flourish even more but we are grateful to have known her.
“This memorial service is exactly what she would have loved because it represents the colorful array of friendships she developed from her acting career and music career.
“I don’t know how it happened that she would pass on with friends that she was so close with like Akhumzi. It’s like they planned it because they were this madness when they were still alive and they died together.”
Jabu was grateful to God for having been given the chance to work with Siyasanga.
Siyasanga died in a road accident that claimed the lives of not only her, but others, including Akhumzi Jezile. She is set to be buried this week.
