The KwaZulu Natal Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Narend Singh has hailed the Ladysmith Black Mambazo as valuable and worthy ambassadors of KwaZulu Natal and South Africa. Minister Singh said this today in response to the news that Black Mambazo have won the World Traditional Music in yesterday's Grammy Awards in the United States of America.

Minister Singh said:

"The news that Ladysmith Black Mambazo have won the World Traditional Music in the Grammy Awards has come as sweet music to the ears of the people of KwaZulu Natal."

"Black Mambazo's triumph yesterday, coupled with their achievements over the years, sands a very strong statement to all the world that South Africa and the whole continent are determined to reclaim their rightful places among the nations of the world. In particular their achievements demonstrate irrefutably the depth of cultural and artistic talents and heritage found in KwaZulu Natal and which make this Province the mecca of multiculturalism."

"They also stand as undeniable evidence that nothing can stand in the way of diligence, commitment and tenacity."

"The people of KwaZulu Natal take off their hats to these illustrious sons of the Province. I hope that what they have achieved will spur other artists to work harder in order to reach the summit of success."