It was a somber evening on Wednesday when Fikile Mbalula, Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC), shared a tribute on X (formerly Twitter) to honor the late gospel star Solly Moholo.
However, his heartfelt message quickly turned into a source of frustration for many users on the platform.
Remembering Solly Moholo
Solly Moholo, a beloved figure in the gospel music scene, passed away at the age of 65 on October 2nd.
His health had deteriorated after he suffered a stroke and experienced multiple organ failures, leading to his hospitalization.
Moholo, known for his remarkable contributions to the genre, had a prolific career that spanned over two decades, particularly rising to fame in the early 2000s.
In his tribute, Mbalula expressed the ANC’s sorrow over Moholo’s passing, calling him a true icon in South African music.
He praised Moholo’s powerful voice and his commitment to uplifting others through his gospel music.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy live on in the music and joy he brought to the world,” Mbalula wrote.
Outrage from Users on X
Despite the heartfelt message, Mbalula faced significant backlash from users who felt the ANC had neglected Moholo when he needed help the most.
One user, @ApostleDeza, highlighted the irony of the tribute, pointing out that Moholo’s family had publicly sought donations for his medical expenses just weeks before.
“Be ashamed, Fikile! Ntate Solly’s family requested help when he was in the hospital, and you said nothing! Today, you’re posting pictures with Ramaphosa like you cared!” they tweeted.
Other users echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment in Mbalula and the ANC for failing to support Moholo during his illness.
@vusi_mygy lamented, “It’s disheartening to see a statement about Solly Moholo’s passing after failing to support him during his time of need.
True commitment to our artists means not just offering condolences but also stepping up when it matters.”
The Family’s Desperate Plea
In August, Moholo had collapsed while in Botswana for a pre-album launch tour.
Afterward, he was transported back to a South African hospital for treatment.
His management revealed in September that he had suffered a stroke, which required brain surgery and led to multiple organ failures.
The family issued an urgent plea for financial support, estimating that his medical costs had reached around R700,000.
“The medical costs associated with his treatment have accumulated to an approximate amount of R700,000.
Given the substantial nature of these expenses, the Molokoane family is urgently seeking financial support from the public at large as well as his associates and/or supporters to assist in covering his medical costs,” they stated.
The Aftermath
As discussions continue on X about Mbalula’s tribute and the ANC’s past actions, many hope that this situation serves as a wake-up call.
The outpouring of frustration from users reflects a broader desire for better support for artists who have dedicated their lives to uplifting their communities.