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Fassie: Tributes pour in
10/05/2004 18:25 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Tributes poured in on Monday for local pop diva Brenda Fassie, who died on Sunday.
Political parties, trade unions, civil society organisations, government officials and church formations sent condolences to the singer's family.
Fassie, 39, died late on Sunday afternoon at the Sunninghill Hospital in Sandton where she had been admitted on April 26 after an asthma attack which led to cardio-respiratory arrest.
Doctors resuscitated her but she fell into a coma, and on Friday her family was told nothing more could be done to reverse her condition.
The African National Congress extended its "deepest" condolences to Fassie's family, friends, colleagues and to her fans in South Africa and abroad.
"The country has lost one of its most talented singers and performers, whose charisma and energy earned her a place in the hearts of many," the party said in a statement.
The Democratic Alliance said Fassie and her talent would be "sorely missed" in the field of arts and by all South Africans.
"Brenda lived her life to the full and we are sure she had many more happy days than sad," the organisation said.
The Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade said Fassie was a true survivor and heroine.
"A cultural icon"
"She was an outspoken and courageous woman, who proved that through all the challenges she faced she prevails."
Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri and her department said to Fassie's family: "We share your grief at having lost a loving mother, sister and aunt."
The Azanian People's Organisation said that to many black people Fassie was a cultural icon who had dedicated her life to making people happy.
"Her untimely departure has left most of us very sad and with an acute sense of loss."
The Congress of SA Trade Unions said Fassie was an inspiration to the youth and to workers.
"Fassie rose from a poor background in Langa, she became a superstar and the top singer of her generation."
The SA Communist Party said it "dips its revolutionary banner to honour and mourn the tragic" death of Fassie.
"Growing as a black woman in the working class township of Langa, Brenda knew the pain and humiliation of apartheid.
"She knew what it meant to be denied a good life opportunity because of her race, her gender and her class origins," the party said.
The SA Council of Churches, United Democratic Movement, the African Christian Democratic Party, the mayor of Cape Town Nomaindia Mfeketo and Arts and Culture Minister Pallo Jordan also sent their condolences.
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