There were tears, songs and messages of condolence during the memorial service of Thozamile 'Rocky' Mngcongo, held in the City Hall on Thursday afternoon 30 January.
There were tears, songs and messages of condolence during the memorial service of Thozamile 'Rocky' Mngcongo, held in the City Hall on Thursday afternoon 30 January.
Mngcongo was a well known local artist, dramatist and choreographer.
The memorial service was attended by pupils from township schools, residents and family members. A large number of organisations were represented, including Makana Youth Council, Makana Art Council, Via Kasi Movers, the ANC Sarah Baartman region, Umthombo Wolwazi Drama, Dlala Majimbos, Amaphiko Dancers and the Rhodes Drama Department.
The funeral service will take place at BB Zondani Hall from 9-10am on Saturday morning and he will be buried at 1pm.
Ayanda Nondlwana, Via Kasi Movers coordinator, said that Mngcongo was everything to him. "Rocky was like a brother, father and mother," he said. "Actually, he was God in flesh."
He said Rocky would not rest in peace, because if he did the Pantsula style would die.
Thandazile Madinda, the Makana Art Council acting chairperson, said Rocky was an entertainer who made people happy, adding that the people of Grahamstown should read as much as they could to honour Rocky's name.
Siphelo Dyongman and Njilo weDezz contributed poetic performances.
Mncedisi Boma, chairperson of the ANC Sarah Baartman region, said it was significant that Rocky's passing coincided with the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's death.
"History cannot turn without your contribution," he told the gathering, "and your contribution will be to vote ANC."
Family member Bonisile Mqweniso, thanked those attending the memorial service, which he said was evidence that Grahamstown has lost someone important in the world of art.
After the service, Xolile Madinda, a director at Fingo Festival, said Rocky was a quiet man, very humble and intelligent. To lose him was to lose "a precious treasure", he said.
Kwaito star Siyanda Futhufuthu said that they wanted to see more from Rocky. "All of us are sad – we wanted others to learn from him and our children to learn from him," he said. "When it comes to dance, Rocky was a hero."
