Sibusiso Khwinana’s memorial service: mourners pay tribute to Matwetwe star
“Do not sleep when you are tired, sleep when you are done”

The community of Soshanguve, as well as acquaintances and fans, came in their numbers to support the family and celebrate the life of a young man who moved from Soshanguve to the international stage, Sibusiso Khwinana. He was murdered outside Sterland Cinema in Pretoria during an altercation over his cellphone on Friday, 1 March. It was reported that the 25-year-old from Block M Soshanguve, died on the spot. His emotional memorial service was held on Thursday, 7 March at AFM Hilltop Restoration Center.

Sibusiso played Lefa in the local movie Matwetwe: The Lizard which was recently directed by Kagiso Lediga and co-produced by Black Coffee.

At his memorial service, friends and family remembered him as a person who was ambitious, humble and not talkative but would let his work do the talking, and as a foodie. They said he was passionate about theatre and also lived his life with passion, determination, and focus to achieve his dreams.

Before the memorial service, Gauteng Premier, David Makhura conveyed his condolences to the Khwinana family and mentioned that three murder suspects had been identified. “Our province has been robbed a great talent who was a true inspiration to the youth of Soshanguve. We are coming for his killers and we plead with those who have information on their whereabouts to come forward with information so we can put them behind bars,” he said.

At the memorial service, MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane confirmed that they had identified the murderers, however, arrests had not been made as yet. She believes there are people harboring these killers but she promised the family they would leave no stone unturned as they bring justice for Sibusiso.

Khalo Khwinana, the family spokesperson also pleaded with his cousin’s killers to turn themselves into the police so the family could find closure. She stated that Sibusiso often told them to watch the space because he was working on his legacy. They didn’t expect he would be brutally taken away from them so fast.

In his tribute, Lediga mentioned that he was honoured to have worked with Sibusiso. He said due to his talent, if he was given the chance to forget the Saftas, we would have seen him at the Oscars and Emmys. Lediga also stated that he’s happy that he got to meet Khwinana and was part of his dream coming together somehow.

One of Sibusiso’s friends mentioned that the late actor was always a fan of Black Coffee. He said his friend spent hours listening to his music not knowing that he would one day work with him.

During the service, the Matwetwe cast, as well as other attendees, sang Sibusiso’s favorite songs including As’phelelanga by Vusi Nova.

Khwinana was laid to rest on March 9 after a funeral service at AFM Hilltop Restoration Centre in Soshanguve Block K.