South Africa mourns the passing of kwaito music icon Victor “Doc Shebeleza” Bogopane, who died on Thursday morning, 9 January 2025, at the age of 51.
His death, confirmed by his daughter Segaetsho and later by family spokesperson Shakes Mavundla, follows a prolonged battle with a life-threatening illness that saw him hospitalised multiple times in the past year.
Mavundla stated that Doc Shebeleza passed away at home around 10:30 am. He had been discharged from hospital on Monday, 6 January, but was scheduled to return the following week for further medical procedures. His passing marks the end of a vibrant career that spanned decades and significantly impacted the South African music landscape.
“I’ve paid some of the money, but now I’m short. I don’t have enough. It’s very difficult. Private hospitals are extremely expensive,” he shared with the publication.
His mother even appealed to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Gauteng MEC for Education, Arts, Sports, Culture, and Recreation for assistance with funding for his essential medication and the upcoming operation scheduled for February.
The late musician’s illness began to impact him in December 2024 when he drove himself to the hospital after experiencing severe discomfort. He later explained to City Press that his pancreas was malfunctioning, affecting his digestion and leading to jaundice. Doctors were preparing him for a major operation in January to assess his liver, heart, and other organs. Despite the severity of his condition, he remained optimistic, expressing gratitude for the prayers and support he received from loved ones. Even in his final days, he maintained his energetic and jovial spirit.
Doc Shebeleza’s musical journey began in his native Soweto in 1973, where he was raised in a family that embraced cultural expression. He drew inspiration from kwaito pioneers like Brenda Fassie and Mandoza, blending these influences with traditional South African sounds.
His debut album, Shebeleza (1995), featuring the hit song “Ghets Ghetsa,” catapulted him to fame. This was followed by S’kumfete, with its equally popular title track. He subsequently released three more albums: Tiger (1997), Ebumnandini (2000), and Jiva Yoyo (2001), solidifying his place in South African music history. His music continues to resonate with kwaito fans, remaining a staple of the genre.
Beyond his musical achievements, Doc Shebeleza was a respected community leader, serving as the chairperson of African Musicians Against HIV/AIDS. His commitment to social causes extended to his personal life, as he dedicated himself to building houses for underprivileged individuals after stepping away from the music industry.
His collaboration with Cassper Nyovest on the song “Monate So” further broadened his reach and introduced his music to a new generation. The song “Doc Shebeleza,” released by Cassper Nyovest in 2014, served as a tribute to the kwaito legend, further cementing his legacy. His contributions to the music industry were recognised with the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.
In December 2024, Sangoma Solly Mathebula, also known as Gogo Mahlasela, made a prediction to Daily Sun about the coming year, stating: “I see one male kwaito legend dying and he will be the opening of 2025. More celebrities are going to pass. The reason is that these people use ukuthwala, and they don’t follow proper instructions, and they end up taking them instead.”
While his prediction proved tragically accurate regarding Doc Shebeleza, the reasons behind his death remain firmly within the medical domain.
The passing of Doc Shebeleza and Winnie Khumalo within the same week has left a void in the South African entertainment industry. Kwaito veteran Arthur Mafokate, speaking to City Press in December, highlighted the importance of honouring legends while they are still alive. “We should give them more value than we are giving them. For a person like me who’s doing an event that honours them, it clicks again that, by the way, this course must continue,” he said.
