Mayor Mpe Stands With Injured Artist Babethe After Fetakgomo Tubatse Crash Claims Life of Nova Sa Style

Polokwane Executive Mayor Makoro John Mpe visits artist Babethe Gashoazen at Mediclinic Polokwane, offering support after the Fetakgomo Tubatse accident that claimed the life of Nova Sa Style.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian, Political News  

POLOKWANE – When tragedy struck the local music community in Fetakgomo Tubatse, Polokwane Executive Mayor Makoro John Mpe did not wait for a press release.

Mpe who is also Limpopo ANC Provincial Chairperson went to the hospital bedside of artist Babethe Gashoazen, offering condolences, support, and a visible reminder that the city does not forget its own in moments of loss.  

The visit came days after a fatal collision on a stretch of road in Fetakgomo Tubatse where the group’s stationary vehicle was allegedly struck from behind. Musician Nova Sa Style died at the scene. Babethe sustained injuries and was admitted to Mediclinic Polokwane, where he received treatment before being discharged this week.  

Mayor Mpe met with Babethe privately, spending time with the artist and his family to express the city’s sympathy and to assure them of ongoing support.

The gesture was more than protocol. It was a deliberate act of presence in a community that often feels overlooked outside election season.  

“Babethe is part of the creative soul of Polokwane. When our artists hurt, the city hurts with them,” a municipal spokesperson said. “The Mayor wanted to make sure he heard that directly, not through a statement.”  

The Mayor also conveyed condolences to the family of Nova Sa Style, whose death has sent shock through Polokwane’s music scene. Known for his contribution to the local sound and for mentoring younger artists, Nova Sa Style’s passing has left a gap that colleagues say will not be easily filled.  

The accident has reignited concerns about road safety in the Fetakgomo Tubatse area, where breakdowns and stationary vehicles on the roadside remain a recurring hazard. Local drivers and community leaders have repeatedly raised the need for better signage, emergency lighting, and faster response times from traffic authorities.  

Municipal officials said the visit was part of a broader commitment to support cultural workers who often operate without safety nets. Polokwane’s arts community has been vocal about the lack of institutional backing, and the Mayor’s direct engagement is being read as an attempt to rebuild that trust.  

For Babethe, the focus is now on recovery. Hospital staff confirmed he was discharged in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. Friends say he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians since news of the crash broke.  

The city’s leadership has made clear that support will not end at the hospital door. The municipality is coordinating with the families of both artists to assist with funeral arrangements and post-hospital care where needed.  

For now, the message from Polokwane is simple and deliberate. Public figures can condemn from a distance, but leadership is shown when it shows up.