Benjamin Tyamzashe dies in East London

On 4 June 1978, Benjamin John Peter Tyamzashe, Xhosa composer, choir conductor and organist, dies in East London. Two years before his death, Tyamzashe was awarded an honorary Masters of Arts degree from University of Fort Hare in recognition of his contribution to the music industry. He died due to cardiac failure at Free Hospital, East London and was buried on his farm, Zinyoka, King William's Town. Sources: Verwey, E. J. (1995). New dictionary of South African Biography, Vol. 1 , Pretoria: HSRC, p. 247.