Lindiwe Fassie dies after long illness

The younger sister of the late pop star Brenda Fassie has died at the age of 59.

Brother, Themba Fassie said his sister, fondly known as Lindi, who had been ill for about 10 years, died at the age of 59 at their home in Langa on Wednesday afternoon May 12.

She is survived by her two children.

Lindi, who was a talented singer in her own right, released a solo album titled Waiting for Your Love. She had also sung backing vocals for Brenda.

“Lindi had health issues since Brenda died. She would be sick and get better until she passed on Wednesday. We left with my older sister Vuyiswa to bury one of our relatives named after Brenda.

"While we were at the cemetery... my other brother Solomon contacted me saying I must come back home immediately. I asked what was wrong and he said he saw ambulances outside the yard and found out Lindi has passed on. We rushed home and indeed she was gone,” Themba said.

He said Lindi had lost interest in singing professionally and recording music after Brenda died. He said she only sang for tourists who visited their house in Langa.

“I think Lindi was hit hard by Brenda’s demise. Different people tried to speak to her to do cover versions of Brenda’s music but she refused. She spent most of her time looking after the young kids in the family.”

Themba described Lindi as a funny, feisty woman who refused to take no for an answer.

She will be buried on the weekend.