Andile Moshoeshoe
A HUMBLED traffic cop who never imagined he possessed an extraordinary gift has become an overnight social media sensation after a breathtaking operatic performance that left social media users spellbound.
Thabiso Gwinya (33), a traffic officer in Gauteng, has stunned audiences with a voice many have compared to that of the world’s greatest operatic tenors.
Born in Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, Gwinya began his law enforcement career with the Greater Kokstad Municipality where he served as a traffic officer dedicated to enforcing road safety and issuing traffic fines to motorists who fail to abide by road rules.
Few people knew that behind the uniform and badge, there was a voice capable of commanding concert halls.
Ironically, his musical talent was first recognised while he was still a Grade 3 learner at Ibisi Primary School by his teacher Bukelwa Mbambo.
Despite her encouragement, Gwinya never pursued singing as a career.
He said even his former boss, Khaya Shange, the chief traffic officer, tried to inspire him.
Growing up in the rural streets of Kokstad, he believed that a career in classical music was beyond the reach of someone from a small town.
“I always believed that opportunities like these were reserved for people from big cities such as Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg,” he said.
Although he occasionally participated in singing competitions, he viewed music merely as a hobby and devoted himself to building a career in traffic law enforcement.
Fate, however, had other plans. His remarkable talent was unexpectedly unveiled during the retirement celebration of his former superior, Chief Provincial Inspector Bain Modise, in Randburg. What was meant to be a heartfelt farewell performance quickly became the highlight of the event.
Performing alongside colleague Mbulelo Pikoli, Gwinya delivered a spellbinding operatic performance that brought the audience to its feet. Videos of the performance spread rapidly across social media platforms, with many comparing his commanding tenor voice to that of legendary Italian opera icon Luciano Pavarotti.
“We were simply singing in honour of our former colleague, completely unaware that the performance would attract so much attention,” Gwinya said.
He admitted that he had long placed his musical aspirations aside in favour of wearing the traffic officer’s badge. However, the overwhelming public response has inspired him to reconsider that decision.
“I chose a career in law enforcement and put music aside. But now, especially being in Johannesburg where opportunities are abundant, I am seriously considering pursuing music,” he concluded.
