Tiki “Sompisi” Nxumalo’s funeral has left the family in debts, thus after the Kwazulu-Natal government failed to live up to its promise of helping the family with funeral costs.
Nxumalo's son, Ntokozo reportedly told attendees that eThekwini Municipality’s head of parks and recreation Thembinkosi Ngcobo and the KZN department of arts and culture had promised to help them bury the former Generations actor by providing food for 300 people as well as three buses.
The department allegedly also pulled out of helping the family with grave expenses, after the family refused to use the government's provided funeral provider.
“Ngcobo told us that they would cover the grave, coffin, catering and hall expenses. Now we owe the funeral parlour about R45 000,” said Ntokozo to Daily Sun.
Ntokozo said the family had to approach Nxumalo’s former colleagues for help.
“That is when he went to Mam Ruby to see if the actors and celebrities could put together some money and provide some food," Ntokozo said.
He went on to add that Mam Ruby, real name Slindile Nodangala, helped the family by buying food and cooking.
However, the family said they were shocked by “Generations” founder Mfundi Vundla’s donation.
He reportedly only donated R1 000 which was far less than other “Generations” members contributed.
“He phoned and said we must list what we need and asked for banking details. Then he deposited R1 000. The axed actors contributed far more and some of them are still unemployed,” Nxumalo’s nephew, Sydney Nxumalo told Daily Sun.
The family added that Patrick Shai who played Patrick in the soapie, donated the suit that Nxumalo was buried in.
Nxumalo was buried on Saturday at Mobeni Heights cemetery, Kwazulu-Natal.
This article was originally published on NoW.co.za