Central SA
NWU mourns legendary musician and Chancellor’s Medal recipient─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:20 Wed, 07 Oct 2026
North-West University (NWU) is mourning the death of celebrated South African musician, composer and Chancellor’s Medal recipient Bernard (Babsy) Mlangeni.
Mlangeni died on Thursday (1/10), aged 83, after a music career spanning more than five decades. Born in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943, he lost his sight at the age of three but went on to become one of South Africa’s best-known musicians.
His distinctive voice and songs about love and life became part of the soundtrack of generations of South Africans. Among the songs for which he is remembered are “Sala Emma” and “Bua Nnete”, which helped secure his place in the country’s musical heritage.
In 2012, the NWU’s Mafikeng Campus awarded Mlangeni its prestigious Chancellor’s Medal. NWU spokesperson Oscar Mosiane said the university recognised his pioneering contribution to South African music, as well as his commitment to human rights, social justice, and public education through his art.
Prof Bismark Tyobeka. Photo: NWU
NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka described Mlangeni as a trailblazer who refused to allow societal or physical barriers to limit his ambitions.
“Babsy Mlangeni was a true giant who refused to let societal or physical barriers limit his extraordinary destiny. By breaking through the structural walls of the apartheid era and paving the way for visually impaired creatives, he embodied the very spirit of excellence and resilience that we strive to foster at the NWU.”
Tyobeka said Mlangeni’s lyrics also served as a vehicle for social cohesion and public education. He described him as a transformative figure who had left a lasting mark on both the university and South Africa.
The university said its association with Mlangeni remained a source of pride. His presence at the 2012 graduation ceremonies offered thousands of graduates an example of perseverance and demonstrated how determination could overcome adversity.
Tyobeka extended condolences on behalf of the university to Mlangeni’s family, friends, colleagues in the music industry, and those who connected with his music over the decades.
The university said Mlangeni’s death marked the loss of an important cultural figure whose influence extended beyond music to social cohesion, education, and opportunities for visually impaired creatives.
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