The industry is devastated by the passing of kwaito star Siphiwe "General GTZ" Sibisi, who died after a major operation at the age of 48, on Sunday, September 29.
Sibisi was the last surviving member of Chiskop, a group comprising the late Mduduzi ''Mandoza” Tshabalala, Sibusiso "SB-Bless" Thanjekwayo and Sizwe "Lollipop" Motaung.
They shot to fame in the late 1980s and became renowned for hit songs such as “Abasaz” and “Abantwana”.
Tshabalala and Motaung passed away in 2003 and Mandoza died in 2016.
Sibisi’s family announced his death in a statement.
“The family of Siphiwe ‘General GTZ’ Sibisi announces with deep sadness our great loss suffered through the passing of our dear one, after hospitalisation where he underwent major surgery.”
“We wish to thank all those who loved and supported him during all his years as a prominent and pioneering music entertainer of our beloved South African people,” they added.
“May his beautiful, kind spirit live on through the legacy of his kwaito.”
Many have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the musician.
This included @TheSAMAs, who wrote on X:·”SAMA extends condolences to the family & fans of Kwaito icon Siphiwe "General GTZ" Sibisi of Chiskop.”
@SAProjectz added: “Sad to hear of the passing of our local kwaito stars. I hear gore, Simphiwe “General” Sibisi has departed. A well known member of the South African local kwaito group Chiskop, has passed on after battling with cancer. He dies at the age of 49, May His Soul RIP .”
@PhilMphela wrote: “RIP: Simphiwe “General” Sibisi, Member of kwaito group Chiskop, has passed away after a battle with cancer.”
According to “Zimoja”, the kwaito star was diagnosed with stomach cancer and, during an operation in 2022, his doctors allegedly cut the wrong tubes in his gut area, which led to health complications.
The artist was also struggling to pay off his medical bills. He apparently showed signs of recovery but his health began to deteriorate in the days leading up to his passing.