The family of the late Dr Latozi Madosini Mpahleni is livid after President Cyril Ramaphosa allegedly snubbed them from presidential national orders awards.
In April 2024, Madosini, the legendary Xhosa traditional musician, was honoured posthumously with an Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by Ramaphosa.
However, the family was not invited to the event.
The invitation was instead sent to Nomthandazo Memani-Bhushula, who is not related to the Madosini family.
Five months later, Madosini’s family says they have not received her award.
“We were not invited to the [event] National Orders; as a result, we had no idea of the award. We learned about it weeks later,” Madosini’s granddaughter, Phumza Mpahleni, revealed.
She said she does not understand why they were not invited because Ramaphosa’s office had her contact details.
Treated like trash
“I’ve been communicating with the president’s office way before my grandmother’s death, so they cannot claim they didn’t have my contact details. They are spitting on my grandmother’s grave, and I’m not surprised,” fumed Phumza.
“Government officials and certain artists treated Madosini like trash. She had to constantly fight to be recognised.
“Clearly the disrespect and humiliation she suffered wasn’t enough; otherwise, why would they snub her family for such an important event?”
She said she had no idea who collected the prestigious award on stage, as she was not even watching the proceedings.
However, Phumza said she recently received a call from Memani-Bhushula, who actually collected Madosini’s award.
When Sunday World contacted Memani-Bhushula for comment, she said: “I collected Madosini’s award on behalf of Madosini’s family.
“I received an invite from the president’s office and I tried to contact Phumza but her phone was off. The event was also for senior citizens, not for kids; that’s why I was invited.
“Besides, it was short notice, and there was no time to look for Madosini’s representatives; I just had to be there.”
Order of Ikhamanga
She said she is not sure when she will be handing over the award to Phumza.
“The award is still with me, and I’ve informed Phumza. I don’t know when she’ll get it because I’m trying to get funds from the government.
“My plan is to host a big event in the Eastern Cape, in Libode, so that everyone can witness the handover to the family,” said Memani-Bhushula.
Questions and reminders were sent to Vincent Magwenya, the president’s spokesperson, but he failed to respond.
The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
Madosini died in December 2022 after a long illness. In 2019, she survived a heart attack and Covid-19.
