By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Prominent businessman and founder of the popular Eyadini Lounge in Umlazi, southwest of Durban, Jabulani Thamsanqa ‘Mjay’ Zama, died on Sunday.
Zama’s death was confirmed by his family on Sunday morning.
According to a statement, the family described him as an amazing soul, full of love, joy and faith.
“We would like to extend our greatest gratitude to everyone of you for always being on his side. The family requests to mourn privately and the funeral details will be communicated,” read the statement.
On Saturday, the family had released a statement saying that he has suffered a severe stroke and asked for prayers.
Eyadini Lounge was an institution in Umlazi, Durban, and viewed as one of the most popular joint.
Zama started his career as a police officer and then went into the tow truck business in Umlazi.
He built Eyadini Lounge from scratch in 2009. The venue officially opened in 2011.
KwaZulu-Natal economic development, tourism and environmental affairs MEC Siboniso Duma said Eyadini Lounge was the most popular destination for tourists and a source of jobs for artists and hundreds of youth in Umlazi township.
“On behalf of all categories of staff in the department and two of our entities, the KZN Tourism Authority and the KZN Liquor Authority, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the family.”
Duma said through Zama’s Shisanyama, he stimulated township tourism and “in the process created memorable experiences for international and national tourists”.