Owen Ndlovu memorial honors South African Music Rights activist

Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg, South Africa, on Wednesday to remember Owen Ndlovu, a broadcaster and activist who died on September 16 at age 54.

Police found Ndlovu’s body near a road in Thokoza after he was kidnapped outside a church while picking up his wife. Attendees described Ndlovu as a dedicated advocate for the economic rights of artists, recalling his pioneering work as one of the first community radio broadcasters in South Africa.

Many speakers emphasized his selflessness and commitment to fighting for composers and performers, not for personal gain. Eugene Mthethwa, a member of parliament and musical group Trompies, noted that Ndlovu was carrying documents from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) when he died, and that Ndlovu had previously won a legal case against the Samro CEO. Mthethwa and others pledged to continue Ndlovu’s work, specifically reclaiming artists’ rights and addressing corruption within Samro.

Mthethwa attempted to have Ndlovu buried at Heroes’ Acre in Pretoria, a site reserved for prominent figures, believing Ndlovu deserved the honor. Actress Joy Mbewana said Ndlovu was willing to risk everything for the truth, and veteran singer Mercy Pakela recounted how he secured legal help for her to recover unpaid royalties. Ndlovu’s son, Owethu, spoke at the memorial on his birthday, saying he now understood his father’s strictness.

The service served as a tribute to Ndlovu’s life and a call to action for those committed to supporting artists’ rights in South Africa.