By Tamlyn Canham
Loyiso Bala has paid tribute to his cousin, Lwando Bantom, who he says played an important role in his life.
“This is my cousin, Lwando Bantom, who at 19 years old worked as a petrol attendant but still managed to look after me, my sister, my brother and his mom and siblings.
“Bhut’ Lwando won an award in 1987 as the best petrol attendant in the country. Customers would come and would only want Lwando to serve them. To this day, I have never met a more service-orientated person in my whole life.
“He exemplified the nature of Christ to me and my siblings with care and unconditional love,” Loyiso wrote on Instagram.
The musician added that his cousin used his success to help get him a scholarship.
“When Lwando won that award he convinced his bosses to get us scholarships at the Drakensberg Boys Choir. This is me at 7 years old about to do one of my first solo performances organised by Lwando. Hopefully someone would spot me and give me an opportunity that would grant me the kind of future that Lwando dreamed for me.”
READ: Proud dad! Itumeleng Khune welcomes baby number 2
Loyiso’s wife, Jennifer, agreed.
“He is a legend and you should have added: has helped many, many more young people rise to their potential over the years,” she commented.
Loyiso described Lwando as the father he never had in previous interviews. The singer’s own father died when he was around six years old.
Loyiso sings his wife’s praises
Loyiso’s cousin wasn’t the only family member he honoured on Instagram recently. He also shared a sweet tribute in honour of his wife.
He described Jennifer as the greatest blessing in his life.
“She is a doctor, mentor, teacher, manager, friend, all wrapped up in badass mommy.”
The couple is preparing to welcome their third child into the world soon.
Loyiso’s daughter, Tori, also got a sweet shoutout on her third birthday.
“She is amazing, smart, and is the most beautiful little girl in the whole-wide world. May God bless you with every kind of joy on this day and always. We love you sweetheart,” Loyiso wrote.



