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Pinky Ngcobo-Khoza

– Finding her passion under COVID-19

M

aNgcobo-Khoza has always been singing at

MUT’s year-end events and probably at some

private functions too. She has produced a

single, “Izizwe,” which is available on all online

platforms and is taking South Africa by storm. She is also

busy producing an album which is soon to be finalised.

It was MaNgcobo-Khoza’s video on Facebook, Instagram

and YouTube that got her noticed by the SABC who did a

cutting-edge profile on her on Women’s Day this

year. The SABC interview drew attention to the

government’s lack of support for the arts,

leading to artists’ talents being hidden

because they still have to work full-time

while pursuing their passion. In the case

of Pinky, she works full-time providing

secretarial support to the Executive

Management Committee at MUT – a job she

does tremendously!

MaNgcobo-Khoza grew up in Ozwathini, at

Bhamshela in the Maphumulo region. She attended

Ngayiphi Primary School and later Ngcongangconga

and Skhulile Secondary schools. After studying at MUT,

she went to DUT for her BTech and thereafter acquired a

Master’s degree in Public Administration.

Under the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, she began pursuing

her dream. Starting small, she realised that she could combine

her passion and her job. The result was to select a music genre

that fitted her and dovetailed with her mission in life. This is

to contribute to the nation-building agenda and encourage

women and the youth to shine wherever they are, regardless

of circumstances. Her genre, African Spiritual Music, aims

to bring hope amidst all the pain that South Africa has gone

through, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Gender-Based

Violence. This genre has made a hit in KwaZulu-Natal and

soon MaNgcobo-Khoza will be a force to be reckoned with.

“I am on a journey to make people appreciate their roots

through my music. During the lockdown in 2020, I read

about so many painful things that were happening among

the disenfranchised communities. I then took it upon myself

to write music that would heal the nation. At the back of my

mind I also wanted a music genre that would remind us of

where we have come from. As I wrote my music I realised

that I had to align it to my own voice. This is the voice that my

people long ago used when they sang songs. Embarking

on this journey is not easy at all. First, I must be

loyal to my employer. This means a lot of hard

work for me and I still have to give my time to

my family. As the saying goes, ‘Where there

is a will there is a way.’ I pray that my dream

to make my voice heard through music will

be realised soon,” said MaNgcobo-Khoza.

We have always known that Pinky is a very talented musician. Today she is referred to by the media as

MaNgcobo-Khoza with great respect and admiration.

M U T A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E

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