Minister of Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa confirmed the passing of Afro-pop singer Zahara whose real name is Bulelwa Mkutukana. The award-winning musician died at a public hospital in Johannesburg after being moved from Netcare Olivedale Hospital. She was admitted to the hospital, north of Joburg, just after celebrating her birthday on the 9th of November.

In a short statement on his official X account, Kodwa extended his condolences to the singer's family. "I am very saddened by the passing of Zahara. My condolences to the Mtukutana family and the South African music industry. Government has been with the family for some time now. Zahara and her guitar made an incredible and lasting impact in South African music," Kodwa wrote. Sharing the late singer's photo holding her guitar, Black Coffe wrote: "You healed so many souls". Lady Zamar wrote: "Zahara did a lot for the music industry in South Africa...paved the way for so many others with her icon presence and guitar in hand. She will be missed. I never knew her personally but her music was loud and brave. Praying for her family,".

There has been drama since the news of the Loliwe singer's hospitalisation was broken by ZiMoja two weeks ago. Sources close to her and her family confirmed that he was admitted with liver complications, with her family issuing a statement confirming the news. According to sources who spoke to ZiMoja on Saturday, Zahara complained of stomach pains soon after her fiancé, Mpho Xaba paid lobola for her. When the pain persisted, she was taken to hospital where she spent about two weeks in the medical ward before she was transferred to the ICU after the doctors discovered that her liver was damaged. After several delicate tests were conducted on her, Zahara slipped into a coma where her lungs collapsed. Her kidneys were said to be affected too. She is survived by her husband, Xaba, who was suppose to walk down the aisle with her in 2024. She is also survived by her mother and siblings.