Tears flowed and heartfelt tributes poured in as thousands gathered at the Msogwaba Sports Ground on Sunday, 13 July, to bid an emotional farewell to beloved social media personality and funeral influencer, Moses “LadyMo” Sibiya.
The 34-year-old was laid to rest after he tragically lost his life in a car accident on Friday, 4 July. The crash occurred on the D2296 road between Kanyamazane and Tekwane South, just outside Mbombela. His passing has left a deep void in his community and among his many fans across South Africa.
LadyMo rose to prominence in 2022 when videos of him singing at funerals began circulating widely on social media. His unique ability to bring dignity, comfort, and sometimes even lightness to funerals through music and personality quickly earned him recognition, and he was affectionately dubbed a “funeral influencer.” His presence brought healing to grieving families, and he soon became a familiar face at memorials across Mpumalanga and beyond.
On the day of his funeral, the atmosphere was both mournful and celebratory. Family, friends, and supporters came dressed in black and white, singing and dancing in honour of a man who had brought light during people’s darkest hours. Some mourners were seen holding posters of LadyMo, while others wore T-shirts with his image, turning the sports ground into a sea of remembrance.
His close friend, Phindile Sifunda, spoke passionately about the impact LadyMo had on their lives. “His death hit us very hard,” she said. “LadyMo made people feel proud of who they are. He was more than just an influencer; he helped many small businesses grow and thrive. His presence was powerful, and his legacy will live on.”
Another friend, Dudu Mhlanga, also credited LadyMo with helping her business succeed. “He believed in us. We are completely shattered by his passing, but we thank God for the time we shared with him,” she said tearfully.
A representative of the Sibiya family, Ernest Sibiya, extended deep gratitude to everyone who supported Moses during his life and those who helped make his farewell memorable. “Thank you for the love you have shown Moses. He was a light in our family and our community,” he said.
Former Agriculture MEC, Mandla Msibi, urged the youth in Pienaar and surrounding areas to honour Moses’s memory by initiating community projects and uplifting one another. “Let us not let his death be in vain. Moses showed us that you don’t need fame or riches to make a difference,” Msibi said. “Let us build something lasting in his name.”
LadyMo’s final resting place is at Rocky’s Drift Cemetery outside White River. Though his life was cut short, the memories and contributions he made to his community and the country will remain etched in many hearts.
He may be gone, but LadyMo’s voice, his spirit, and his legacy will continue to echo through every life he touched.
