MBEKI WARNS OF DRUG EVIL AT FASSIE'S FUNERAL

LANGA township, just outside Cape Town, came to a standstill yesterday
as thousands flocked to a small stadium yesterday to bid goodbye to
South Africa's queen of pop, Brenda Fassie.

What was otherwise a beautiful funeral service was spoilt by sporadic
incidents of pushing and shoving. There was confusion initially over
the entrance of VIPs, family and media representatives. Many had to
push their way in as security officials refused them entry, failing to
recognise the wristbands provided by family representatives as
accreditation.

As the stadium began filling up, the crowd started forcing its way
forward, creating security hazards, and some fans had to receive first
aid.

The problems delayed President Thabo Mbeki from delivering his speech
for almost half-an-hour.

When he finally spoke, Mbeki called on Arts and Culture Minister Pallo
Jordan to "ensure that the government saves the nation and artists
from the problem of drug use".

"I am happy that you have come in such great numbers to say goodbye to
Brenda Fassie," Mbeki said in isiXhosa. "We came in numbers because we
loved her and loved her music. We are saying, by our presence here,
that we love our actors, musicians, sculptures and our sports people.

"We know there is a problem with drugs. We need to ensure that we save
our nation from this problem."

Preceding the president, Ernest Adjovi of Kora Awards placed the blame
for Brenda's death on drug-dealers. "I blame drug-dealers for killing
her. We have to say no to drugs."

Adding her voice, Cape Town's executive mayor, Nomaindia Mfeketo,
thanked the award-winning superstar for her contribution. We've
gathered here because we've lost a sister, a mother, a daughter."

To remember Fassie, added Mfeketo, "we need to correct the things she
did".

The funeral service, directed by radio personality Shado Twala and
Kaizer Chiefs' communications manager Putco Mafani, was attended by
the who's who in politics and music. Tony Yengeni, Labour Minister
Membathisi Mdladlana, actor Joe Mafela, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Western
Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool and Brenda's manager, Peter Snyman.

A notable absence was that of producer Chicco Twala, who helped the
pop icon scoop so many music awards. Twala has been quoted extensively
on Brenda's abuse of her finances and had running verbal battles with
Snyman over money.

Fassie was cremated at the Sea Point crematorium in the afternoon.