He was a stern and traditional father figure who wanted to see his kids and particularly his son follow in his footsteps.
Polygamist Bab’ Dlamuka was a prominent member of Moja Love show Isencane Lengane since season one in 2019 and the father of teen husband Siyacela Dlamuka, married to Thando Msomi.
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Siyacela recently confirmed Bab’ Dlamuka's passing on social media after a long illness, posting: “Inhliziyo Yami ibuhlungu (My heart is sore). Rest in peace Dlamuka.”
Tributes have come pouring in from viewers, sharing their messages of condolences.
“Apparently Bab'Dlamuka, Siyacela's dad, has passed away. So sad, I just saw on Facebook,” wrote @SihleMakhanya.
“May his soul rest in peace. I hope Sthuphethi won't disrespect his stepmothers now that Bab'Dlamuka is no longer there,” wrote @Lerato_Mod
“The news of Bab'Dlamuka passing away is so sad. May his soul rest in peace and condolences to Mashenge and the whole Dlamuka family,” said @ManRichD.
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Last year, rumours of the elderly man’s death spread but the family and Moja Love quickly denounced the fake news.
This time, the news is real and family spokesperson Solomuzi Kunene revealed that the 62-year-old had been living with diabetes for a few years now but had it under control.
“The doctor said he passed from high blood pressure and diabetes. He was already on insulin, and he woke up that morning not feeling well. He passed away on Saturday afternoon at around 18:20,” Solomuzi tells Drum.
“When we slept on Friday, he was good and, in the morning, he started getting sick and couldn’t speak.
"Baba wasn’t too old, and he had his diabetes under control. He was hardly ill until last year in June. While in town, he broke his leg from the groin. He has been struggling with the leg and that has restricted his movement and not allowed him to have full control of his chronic illness.”
Solomuzi says the family is learning to come to terms with his passing.
“The burial is this coming Friday at the homestead in Mabedlana. He leaves 25 children, his four wives, as we all know that the fifth wife passed, and about 40 children. They are all trying to come to terms with his death. It is not easy, but we will be okay.”
