CENTURION – South Africa's entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of award-winning singer and actress Suthukazi "Suthu" Arosi, who succumbed to cancer earlier today. The beloved songstress, who would have celebrated her 64th birthday on 10 March, passed away peacefully at her home in Centurion, surrounded by close friends and family.
The news of Arosi's passing was confirmed by her management, Bongani Mahlangu, who spoke to Zimoja about the singer's courageous battle with cancer. Arosi, born in Cala in the Eastern Cape, had been in and out of hospital for months as she fought the disease. Mahlangu revealed that the singer had undergone numerous chemotherapy sessions, resulting in mounting medical bills. Last month, her family made a public appeal for financial assistance from her devoted fans.
Arosi is survived by her only son, who is currently en route from the United States to be with his family during this difficult time, according to Mahlangu. Despite her illness, Arosi remained passionate about her music. "Around December she had just completed her single, Turn Down the Lights. She still has music she did with the likes of Hugh Masekela," Mahlangu shared, highlighting her enduring legacy.
Arosi's career spanned an impressive four decades, cementing her status as a true icon in the South African showbiz industry. Known for her hit song "Ingane Yabelungu", she collaborated with numerous top artists throughout her career, touring the world as a sought-after backing vocalist. Her talent took her to stages across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Holland, France, Portugal, and Singapore.
Locally, she worked with musical luminaries such as Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Jonas Gwangwa, Miriam Makeba, and the late Hugh Masekela, among many others. Arosi also showcased her acting skills on the international stage, touring the US as part of "The Lion King" production, where she played the roles of Ensemble and Rafiki.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Arosi was a dedicated HIV/AIDS activist and philanthropist, using her platform to raise awareness and support those affected by the disease. Her discography boasts a string of popular songs, including "Ingane Yabelungu", "Wemnt' Omnnyama", "Ulele Ulele", "Vumani", "Umziwasha", and "Amanyala", solidifying her place in South African music history. Arosi also had the distinct honour of performing at birthday celebrations for former Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, a testament to her widespread appeal and respect.
While South Africa mourns the loss of Suthukazi Arosi, another story of cancer survival and resilience has emerged, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the sadness. Eunice Pearl Matlaila, a 49-year-old from Omonde, south of Johannesburg, shared her personal journey with Daily Sun, highlighting the importance of early detection, support, and a positive mindset.
Pearl's experience with cancer is deeply personal, having lost her father to spinal cancer, her brother to prostate cancer, and her sister to breast cancer. These losses motivated her to undergo a check-up, which unfortunately led to her own diagnosis of uterine cancer in 2018.
"As I reflect on my journey with cancer, I'm reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped my life. From discovery to diagnosis and treatment to recovery, my experience has been a testament of the human spirit's capacity for resilience," Pearl shared.
The diagnosis was understandably devastating, particularly as Pearl had hoped to have more children. "It was a shock to me when I received the news. I was very devastated because I wanted more kids. The hardest decision I had to make was to remove my womb," she revealed.
However, Pearl found strength and perspective through her experience. "Cancer changes the way you see life. It taught me to focus on the important stuff like spending quality time with my family and loved ones. I still struggle with the physical and emotional scars, but they serve as a testament to my strength."
Pearl credits the unwavering support of her husband and family for helping her navigate the challenges of her cancer journey. "He held my hand and supported me and my family through this journey. It was not easy, but I pushed and never gave up on myself."
Recovery was a gradual process, requiring regular check-ups and follow-up tests. "The physical and emotional scars will always remain, but they serve as a testament to my strength. Today, I'm healthy and prioritise self-care by regularly going to the gym and being a netball coach. My life didn't end when I was diagnosed with cancer. It only began. I'm a healthy person and love myself the way I am," she affirmed.
Pearl's message to those affected by cancer is one of hope and encouragement. "To those who have lost loved ones to cancer, I offer my deepest condolences. Cherish the memories, seek support and focus on self-care. To those who have recently been diagnosed, I urge you to stay informed and positive and lean on loved ones. You're not alone in this journey."
She also emphasised the importance of preventative measures. "Prioritise your health and well-being by living a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and regular check-ups can go a long way in preventing cancer and other diseases. Take care of your body and it will take care of you."
