The poignant service, held at Rhema Bible Church, served as a moment of solemn reflection and collective mourning for the passing of the esteemed singer, as industry luminaries and mourners congregated to bid her a fond farewell.

In a moment of solemn introspection, Somizi Mhlongo revisited his initial encounter with Zahara, accompanied by an earnest confession of remorse for an ill-conceived jest made at the SAMAs in 2017, which centered around an unfortunate and hurtful reference to Zahara's relationship with alcohol.

The ill-fated quip, which drew widespread criticism and led to legal repercussions following Zahara's defamation suit, served as a poignant focal point for Somizi's introspection and subsequent public apology.

Acknowledging the gravity of his past actions, Somizi articulated profound regret, expressing accountability for engendering pain and distress to Zahara through his thoughtless commentary. He candidly admitted to taking for granted the impact of his words, recognizing the formidable depth of hurt and anguish that had unwittingly transpired as a result of his injudicious remarks.

In a compelling display of contrition, Somizi avowed his enlightenment, recognizing the fallibility of his actions and passionately calling attention to the collective failing of industry peers in adequately supporting Zahara during her periods of tumult and distress. His compelling indictment of the entertainment landscape echoed a resounding plea for introspection and systemic change, emphasizing the imperative of accountability and the necessity for genuine empathy and support within the industry's interconnected community.

Somizi's candid reflections resonated with a resonant call for collective accountability, as he unequivocally implored the industry to introspect on its treatment of fellow artists, advocating for a cessation of derisive commentary and a paradigm shift towards compassion and active support in lieu of callous indifference. His impassioned entreaty underscored the industry's collective obligation to rectify past oversights and to embrace a paradigm of mutual empathy and solidarity, distilling a profound truth that echoes beyond the confines of the memorial service.

Somizi on his SAMA’s joke about Zahara’s drinking says “I hurt her” #ZaharaMemorial pic.twitter.com/jfMMSRoxUm

— Aldrin Sampear (@AldrinSampear) December 14, 2023

[WATCH] "As an industry, as friends, we owe her an apology... When we could have helped (her), we were carrying on with our lives, besimhleba, simhleka," Somizi Mhlongo lambasts the entertainment industry for letting Zahara down in her time of need.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/oh1j1FBDg4

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 14, 2023

With a resounding call to action, Somizi's poignant entreaty fractures the veneer of complacency, ushering in a clarion call for transformation, accountability, and unyielding support, marking a seminal moment of reflection and collective resolve within South Africa's artistic and entertainment landscape. 

As the industry reckons with its collective legacy, Somizi's poignant revelations shape an enduring imperative for concerted transformation and amplified empathy, ensuring that Zahara's enduring legacy serves as a harbinger for collective introspection and systemic change within the industry's interconnected tapestry.