Sizwe "DJ Sizzla01" Mathebula

I’ll always have fond memories of our bros trips to especially Sweden, a special kind of brotherhood we all shared. But it’s Sizwe’s warmth, empathy and our deep conversations that left the deepest mark on me. He was always honest, but spoke with kindness, saw the good in people and wanted to make the world a better place. That’s how I’ll remember him. RIP brother 🙏🏾

Dear Sizwe
Your unexpectedly short journey in this world brought great joy to many from the 1st day. Rest in power✝️ as you leave behind your mark on the world.

Brother Siz,

It’s still sinking in that you are no longer with us. Life at times makes no sense. Just as we celebrate the day someone comes into this world, we should also celebrate the life they lived and the memories they leave behind.

I’ll treasure the friendship, the encouragement, the support, and your positive outlook on life.

Music was your therapy, your passion, and it was infectious; from DJing as part of the OKORO collective to your Sunday SA show on EXT Radio.

It was an absolute pleasure seeing you bring that energy to your show, along with your desire to bring others on so they could showcase their talents.

You’ve gone upstairs, but I have no doubt you’ll be dishing out that musical energy, that SA vibe!

Big love, brother. Gone far too soon, but you’ll live on in memory, soul and heart.

Rest easy. ❤️

What a kind soul!

I remember connecting via instagram during lockdown due to my Instagram live sound healings and ever since then you always supported my journey.

I had the pleasure to know you and be in your presence, and you shared so much wisdom.

We have lost a gem but not in vain as you have blessed many of us and we have memories that will live on.

Music truly connects us to the divine and you were the true plug!

Rest well! 💫

Umkhonto We Sizwe I will miss you so much.
I took you raving in the early days out of london and introduced you to all my friends.
My little cousin, you had fun and we always stayed closed up until the boxing party nights at my home.
God bless you cuz...

Hey Si
Gone too soon little bro. What a gap you are leaving behind. We all going to miss your gentle soul, soft voice and hearty laughter .

Go rest mntase, sis Xoli 🌺💕🌺

Sizwe,

You’re one of the closest, humblest of friends I’ve ever had and known. You’re one of the cool/good guys that have gone too soon. This has really hit closer to home for me and no doubt to many others who knew you as well. Not only am I shocked, but I’m distraught too. It was only a few months ago we had our last conversation.

I remember the journey we took to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and the weekend breaks in Sweden 🇸🇪. Memories that will never be forgotten or erased.

You’ll be greatly missed. If there’s a consolation I can think of, is that you’re pain-free and at peace now.

R.I.E.P bro 🫶🏾🙏🏾

Forever in our hearts. Thank you for the beautiful memories and the laughter we shared

To uncle Sizwe

I had hope that you will heal, I trust that now you are healed. You left us with good memories. Your love for us cannot be replaced. Though you are gone you will not be forgotten. Whenever I miss you I will listen to your music. Life without you will never be the same again. You will forever be in our heart. Till we meet again.

Ngicela ungikhonzele kugogo Thoko.

Hey Sizwe, it's with a heavy heart that I write this message.

To think our last conversation was around my birthday last December, when you let me know you couldn't make the birthday meal. You were honest, as always, that there were other pressing matters at hand. A few months later I had a missed call from you, which I regrettably didn't return. Like many of us, I was caught up in the day-to-day demands of life and meant to get back to you, only to be told a couple of weeks ago that you had passed away. That's a bitter pill to swallow, and a lesson I'll never forget: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

My memory of you will always be of a genuine, clean-hearted human being whose passion in life was to elevate his fellow man. You loved your music to no end and would do anything to help anyone. There are so many positive memories, but a few stand out: the lads' trip to Sweden; you and Mike driving all the way up to Glasgow to pick Ashleigh and me up from my brother-in-law's wedding so we could attend my granddaughter's christening the next day; and you DJing at both my Mum's 70th birthday party and, of course, our wedding celebration.

I know that, due to health reasons, things weren't always easy, but you never let that dampen your spirit, and you were always someone I could count on.

You'll be missed, my brother. Although you're no longer physically with us, you'll always remain in our hearts until we meet again.

Love, David, Ashleigh and family xx

Ahhh Maaaan :-( the Honor of being a 'Meh' as you once roamed the earth with us... Im so blessed to have been with you.Our family DJ is now playing Heavenly CDJs for us as we dance the rest of this life thang.

In our hearts 5ever!

RIP Meh *Salute hand to head + heart*

“I am because We are.” You loved saying this, and you truly embodied the Ubuntu spirit, my lovely Sizwe.

It’s so hard to put into words what you meant to me because you were one of those rare souls whose presence you simply had to experience to understand. A beautiful spirit, and anyone who crossed paths with you was lucky to have experienced you.
The other day, the song you put me on came on, and just like that, Z, all these memories came flooding back. It was hard but I cherish every one of them.

Farewell, love ❤️

The Zulu musical messenger, I'd not know very long but glad to have met. RIEP bro! ✊🏿

I guess it’s about time I post something.. Jah know this isn’t easy at all..

I never really got to tell Sizwe how much he meant in my life, how much I was honoured and grateful to call him my brother.

Ahh My brother Sizwe! I sit here thinking about all we accomplished and still had to accomplish (you coming Barbados, me joining you in South Africa, bike rides, online shows and so much more) we didn’t always know if we was going to be successful but we were doing it anyways caution to the wind we were gonna make it or fail but we was doing it together from Mzanzi Nights in Shoreditch to the South African High Commission to the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) to the South African Tourism event with Master KG & Zanda Zakuza representing South Africa..

You was a force that couldn’t be stopped, diminished or ignored!
My brother was a King and is now LEGENDARY!

Sizwe, I love you bro and I will miss you more than words could ever express in English or any other language.

Fly high!, the music will continue and I will see you soon on the other side of the river! 🕊️👊🏾🙏🏾🫡

My brother Sizwe, what a pleasure and privilege it was to be your friend. You are truly one of a kind. We met way back in college but since reconnected around 10 years ago due to our love of music and DJing. You joined our collective, OKORO, and we were lucky enough to play in many locations, most notably in Ghana where we had such a good time.

You were an inspiration. You reignited my passion - not just for music, but for politics, Africa, and brotherhood. You were wise beyond your years. You made friends wherever you were because you could connect with all types of people on many different levels.

You will never be forgotten and I hope you can now rest in eternal peace.

On behalf of the Khumalo family

We wish to convey our deepest condolences on the passing of our beloved brother Sizwe.

Although we will not be able to make it to the funeral, our hearts and prayers are with you always during this trying time.

Farewell to our brother. He will forever be in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

With love
Ms Thandiwe Khumalo

Oh what a loss, I’m actually at loss for words…the love and commitment you showed for Dee and the girls was an amazing spectacle to witness. The lightness and silliness you brought to any room will definitely be missed. Watching you DJ was to witness you coming into your own and setting your soul free. It’s heartwarming to know you did that which set your soul free- taking you away from pain and worry. Rest well now Sizwe, your work here is done. Fly free Sizwe and be a guardian angel to Dee and the girls…❤️

You didn’t have to be my dad, and you didn’t have to be my brother’s dad, but you chose to be. You loved us, supported us, guided us and showed us what it truly meant to be a father. We couldn’t have asked for a better dad, and I will forever be grateful for everything you did for us. You may not have been our father by blood, but you were our dad in every way that mattered. ❤️

I never took this music thing seriously until the universe brought us together. Hearing my first single on EXTRadio's The Ubuntu Show, was one of the best moments in my entire life. When you came down for our wedding, it cemented a brotherhood that will last beyond the limits of mortality. In your name and memory, the music will continue.

Eric oh Eric.. the music will not stop my brother... Your constant encouragement and praise will forever stay with me... Ngiyabonga for the moments we had.. see u on the flip side..

My Deepest Condolences To The Family May The Good Lord Be With You In This Difficult Time And Uncle Sizwe Will Forever Be In Our Hearts.We Love You Guys🫂😭

From Aunty Sizakele Mahlangu

Never in a million years did I think I would be writing on your tribute page. It’s insane!!

You kept saying it’s me and you throughout this year and then I find myself here. The truth is, it’s always been you and me. When you were little you battled meningitis, I was there. When Mama passed away, it was you and me. When you were diagnosed with renal failure and had to dialyse three times a week, it was you and me. When a donor became available and we rushed to Guy’s hospital, it was you and me. This year it was you and me as you battled stage 4 cancer and renal failure. But guess what, it’s been a privilege to have taken this journey with you.

I miss your morning messages. I miss your crazy/ silly jokes. I miss listening and sharing music with you. I miss the I love you message I got before I went to bed. I miss the deep conversations we used to have, oh how I miss it all.

As I prepare for your home going I remember you kept asking me if I was going to be ok. Si, I’m not ok but it’s ok. I’m ok because you are no longer in pain. No more operations, no more chemotherapy, no more radiotherapy and no more dialysis.

Rest well bhut’ wam. You fought a good fight and have earned your wings.

I LOVE YOU 🕊️