Owen Ndlovu Remembered As Fearless Champion For Artists’ Rights At Emotional Memorial

The South African entertainment industry gathered in Randburg on Wednesday to remember broadcaster and music rights activist Owen Ndlovu, with emotional tributes celebrating a man described as fearless, selfless and relentless in his fight for artists.

Ndlovu, who was 54, died on 16 September. According to police reports cited at the memorial, his body was discovered beside a road in Thokoza the morning after he was reportedly kidnapped outside a church in Katlehong while collecting his wife.

Family members, close friends and industry figures including Ntsiki Mazwai, Vusi Leeuw, Tebogo Sithathu and Mercy Pakela attended the memorial service at the Walter Sisulu Hall.

Owen Ndlovu’s fight for artists’ rights remembered

Among those paying tribute was longtime friend and music and talent consultant Vusi Leeuw, who recalled knowing Ndlovu for more than three decades after they first crossed paths at JoziFM.

Leeuw described Ndlovu as a pioneer who belonged to the first generation of community radio broadcasters in South Africa.

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He also reflected on the shocking circumstances surrounding Ndlovu’s death, saying it was the last way he ever imagined his longtime friend would leave the world.

Leeuw recalled that Ndlovu had left a message with his wife about working alongside performing artist Eugene Mthethwa to help move the entertainment industry forward.

Mthethwa later took to the stage in tears, echoing Leeuw’s description of Ndlovu as someone who fought for other people rather than simply himself.

“He was fighting, not for his own rights but for composers. He was selfless,” Mthethwa said.

The Trompies member and chairperson of advocacy group Artists United also spoke about Ndlovu’s battles involving the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro).

Mthethwa said he had opened the bag found with Ndlovu’s body and discovered Samro documents inside.

He recalled Ndlovu’s legal battles with the organisation, describing him as meticulous and determined to challenge issues he believed affected artists’ rights.

“We have the bag. In Owen’s death, we multiply. It is for us to continue the battle. We must reclaim our rights,” Mthethwa said.

Mercy Pakela remembers Owen Ndlovu as a ‘saviour’

Veteran singer Mercy Pakela delivered another emotional tribute, remembering Ndlovu for the practical support he offered artists fighting for money they were owed.

Pakela recalled how Ndlovu helped her secure a lawyer on a pro-bono basis to pursue unpaid royalties relating to music dating back to 1990.

For the singer, his death represented the loss of someone who had dedicated himself to improving the economic position of artists.

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She described him as a fighter and said his work had given artists someone willing to challenge issues surrounding their livelihoods.

Actress and arts activist Joy Mbewana similarly remembered Ndlovu as a man who was prepared to take risks in pursuit of what he believed was right.

“Owen was taken away from us. He was a man willing to risk all for the truth. The fight does not end here,” she said.

Mthethwa also revealed that he had pushed for Ndlovu to be laid to rest at Heroes’ Acre in Pretoria, arguing that the activist deserved the honour.

But perhaps the most poignant moment of the memorial came when Ndlovu’s son Owethu took to the stage alongside his brothers.

The service coincided with Owethu’s birthday, adding another deeply personal layer to an already emotional gathering.

Reflecting on his relationship with his father, Owethu spoke about lessons he had only come to fully understand with time.

“I never understood why you were so hard on me, but now I understand,” he said.

As family, friends and colleagues prepare to say their final goodbye ahead of Ndlovu’s burial on Friday, the tributes painted a picture of a man whose legacy was deeply intertwined with the fight for artists’ economic rights.

For those who knew him, his death has not brought that fight to an end.

Instead, as Mthethwa told mourners, the challenge now is for others to continue the work Ndlovu devoted himself to during his life.