Socialite Mothei epitomised Soweto s majestic touch Sam Mathe > By Sam Mathe - 10 January 2021 - 16:45 Irene Mothei in her later years after she had decided to bid farewell to the liquor-selling business that had brought her much fame and many friendships. Image: Veli Nhlapo
Irene Mothei (27 April 1945-2 January 2021); star chorister and socialite
In the seventies and eighties Irene’s Place in Soweto was the ideal address for the well-dressed and fashion conscious who enjoyed partying up a storm. The vibe at the famous nightspot even inspired guitarist and singer Condry Ziqubu’s
Via
Orlando (1985), a dance floor hit that marked the coming of age of eighties township pop. But it was not only about song and dance at number 5078 Kunene Street in Orlando East.