Father’s Day was a sad and emotional day for grammy award winning musician Zakhele Madida known by many as as Zakes Bantwini as it became his first Father’s Day without his father.
Jeffery Khanyile (65) was, according to Zakes, gunned down at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal, in front of his family earlier this year. The incident reported earlier this year by news24 happened on the 4th of January 2023 around 21:00.
Zakes posted videos of the burial followed by photos of his late father and captioned his post:
“Ukuhlabelela kuyamthokosiza odabukileyo (singing heals those who are broken) ?️?, first Father’s Day without you and I am not okay ?. This year I lost my dad after he was gunned down at home in-front of my family members ?. Happy Heavenly Father’s Day to you Ngwane// Bhilibane// kajajela// kamajozi// wena wasobala// wase shashalazini// Khanyile (clan praise names). Lala ngo Xolo Shlangu Esihle ❤️.”
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Followers who share similar pain to Zakes comforted him and went on to share their stories, they added:
“These ones hurt the most, I’m in number 2 today and the absence is loud. What has been helping me is being in spaces where I’m not forced to man up or get better, being accepted during the struggle and having the feelings validated has been key to help me discover how to deal with it. It’s not anyone’s place to tell us how to feel but rather support and encourage us through what we feel. Be strong and courageous Zakes the Lord our God is with us (Josh 1:9).”
More shared, “Be strengthened Mr. Madida. I also lost my brother same happened as your story, mine happened in March. ?”
As well as, “was burying mine yesterday also same incident.”
Actress Connie Chiume shared, “May God give you comfort ??.”
Industry friends Unathi Nkayi and Thando Thabethe sent love and strength to the musician.
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