Sindi Majola Speaks Out: ‘It Was Not a Love Affair’ with Brenda Fassie

Sindisiwe Khambule, popularly known as Sindi Majola, spoke candidly about her relationship with the late legendary singer Brenda Fassie, saying theirs was more of a companionship than a sexual relationship.

In an intimate and emotional interview on the Own Narrative Podcast, she spoke of the first time she met Brenda in a nightclub, and the first kiss they shared. “That kiss changed my life. My life changed right there,” she said.

“The relationship I had with Brenda Fassie. It was not a love affair, it was more of a companionship. To me, Brenda was badmouthed and so disrespected, and yet admired, by the world. And I was so curious: ‘Why you chose me, and why you don’t want me to leave your side?’.”

Sindi recalled Brenda presenting her with dry red wine, three joints of marijuana, her favourite chocolates and three R100 notes the night before she died from a severe asthma attack in May 2004.

Sindi opened up about her tough background, including being raped at the age of 13 by her uncle.

She said her past made her relate with the late star. “The chemistry was beyond what the world can understand. From then on that’s when I learnt to come out as who I really am. Because I was so reserved, having my own problems, and my background, my previous experiences, and childhood traumas.

“I could relate so much with her, and I realised what made us connect because we had a lot in common, but people chose to focus on the addiction to drugs, which was one thing that didn’t trouble me because I saw her, not what she smoked. It seems like she left part of herself with me. And all the things that she told me were going to happen are happening now.”

A video of the actress roaming the streets of Yeoville, Johannesburg, went viral on social media in September, with many sharing concerns about her life, which had seemingly taken a dramatic turn.

“I had everything — from age 22, I had my car, my apartment, my businesses, everything — but I was not happy. They killed my family because of money. I was earning R52,000 in two weeks. And I said:‘God, please take it all’. I want to be like everybody. I don’t need help,” she said in the video.

The actress, who is popularly known for her roles on Rhythm City, Yizo Yizo and Zone 14, said she was not sure why she was not working but had left her casting agency. She is not coping with raising a schizophrenic 30-year-old son and needs help.