Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala ‘battling with his health’
'We are now just looking after Joseph and making sure that he is getting the proper treatment he needs to recover,' says group member Sandile Khumalo.
Joseph Tshabalala, the founder of Grammy award-winning choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambabazo, yesterday, 20 January 2013 announced he is bowing out of the music scene after a career spanning more than five decades during a farewell breakfast in Durban.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder Joseph Shabalala is reportedly still battling with his health following a spine surgery. Shabalala was admitted to hospital for the operation two months ago, but his recovery was taking longer than expected, group member Sandile Khumalo told TshisaLIVE on Tuesday.
“He has been discharged, and is recovering at home, but is still struggling. He is old now. We were worried when he went in for the operation, and are still very concerned because he is sick, but he is getting stronger.
“The group is now in the hands of Sibongiseni, and he is doing a great job. We are now just looking after Joseph and making sure that he is getting the proper treatment he needs to recover,” Khumalo said.
He further urged fans of the group not to be concerned about the 76-year-old.
Shabalala officially handed over leadership of the group to his son Sibongiseni about three years ago due to his health, but occasionally made appearances at events.
Earlier this year, President Jacob Zuma travelled to Ladysmith, in KwaZulu-Natal, as part of honorary events for Shabalala.
President Zuma arrived at Dr Joseph Shabalala Secondary School in Farquhar Road and unveiled a plaque at the school named after Shabalala, The Ladysmith Gazette reported.
The minister of education and the minister of arts and culture were also at the event at the school.
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