A tragic head-on collision on the N2 highway in Mtubatuba, South Africa, claimed the lives of 11 dancers on Sunday. The victims were traveling back to eHluhluwe from the Isibaya Ingoma Festival in eMpangeni, where they had performed alongside Maskandi star Mkhathazi Nsibande. The accident occurred at Emkhandlwini Sports Grounds, and Nsibande has since clarified the relationship between him and the deceased dancers. According to Nsibande, the dancers were not part of his troupe on the day of the accident.
Nsibande, who performed with the group at the festival, explained that the dancers were led by their own leader, 2 Stabane Dlamini, who also died in the accident. Dlamini was no longer a dancer under Nsibande, as he had become the leader of a traditional group from eMdletsheni. The group had attended the festival to compete with other traditional groups before Nsibande's Maskandi slot began. Nsibande emphasized that the group would have traveled to the festival regardless of his performance.
The musician acknowledged that some of the victims had previously worked with him but insisted that on the day of the tragedy, they were not his troupe. Nsibande expressed that the tragedy had shaken their community in northern KwaZulu-Natal, where the group was well-known for competing independently and promoting positive behavior among children. The community has been affected by the loss of the group, who were respected for their efforts in keeping children away from bad behavior.
The identification process for the victims has been challenging, with nine of the 11 victims burnt beyond recognition. Families are awaiting DNA results to formally identify their loved ones. Nsibande expressed his support for the bereaved families, stating that he would stand with them during this difficult time.
Nsibande announced that he would visit the families of all the deceased this coming Saturday. The Maskandi star's gesture has been appreciated by the community, who have been affected by the tragic accident. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the region.
The Isibaya Ingoma Festival, where the dancers performed before the accident, is a significant event in the region, promoting traditional music and dance. Nsibande's performance at the festival was a highlight of the event, but the tragedy that occurred shortly after has overshadowed the celebrations.
The community in northern KwaZulu-Natal is coming to terms with the loss of the group, who were known for their contributions to promoting positive behavior among children. Nsibande's clarification of the relationship between him and the deceased dancers has helped to provide some context to the tragedy.
Key points
- Maskandi star Mkhathazi Nsibande clarifies that the 11 dancers killed in the Mtubatuba N2 crash were not part of his troupe on the day of the accident.
- The dancers were led by their own leader, 2 Stabane Dlamini, who also died in the accident.
- Nsibande will visit the families of all the deceased this coming Saturday to offer his support.
