Fans on social media have hailed her for her bravery and pursuing her dreams at her age.
South Africans are again mourning a star after the shocking news of the passing of Olpha "G65" Selepe on Wednesday.
Selepe, who hailed from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, became an instant internet sensation after the pensioner recorded a quirky song titled Obani Lababantu, which was released in November.
Her family said she died in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Durban where she had been self-isolating under the watch of family; she was diagnosed for COVID-19 on Monday.
"A leader throughout her life, the 65-year-old retired teacher had an illustrious career as a primary school principal, later heading up Northdale TVET college in Pietermaritzburg. She also did a teaching stint abroad in the UK.
In 2018, she completed her master's degree at the age of 63 and, at the time of her death, was pursuing a doctoral degree," a statement read.
In an interview last month, Selepe explained the meaning behind her song: “I had to pose that question saying ‘who are those people’? Who are these people? Obani lababantu? And I answered it same time, saying ‘you’re forgetting that you’re one of them’. Then I said obani lababantu. Listen, here are these people, that’s why I said ‘it’s you, it’s me, it’s them, it’s us. So, I wouldn’t be here if I focused on other people.
“Get out of those cocoons and face the world with your talents. Forget about people and what they might say," she added.
WATCH: Gee Six Five – Obani lababantu
Selepe leaves behind three children, grandchildren, her sister, nieces and nephews.
Fans on social media have hailed her for her bravery and pursuing her dreams at her age.