South Africa also lost a number of its stars, our industries were left crippled. From media, sports, music and all sorts of performing arts, we have buried both promising and veteran stars.
Without a doubt, the year 2020 has been a very difficult year, from seeing people around the world losing their source of income, losing assets, fighting illness and the most touching… losing their loved ones.
South Africa also lost a number of its stars, our industries were left crippled. From media, sports, music and all sorts of performing arts, we have buried both promising and veteran stars. Just this year alone we had to say our final goodbyes to the following stars:
Chilli M
In January radio lovers were left shattered as they learnt that one of their favourites DJs Chilli M was no more. Chilli M was a hugely popular radio DJ, as well as a music producer who collaborated with artists including DJ Tira.
After stints on Metro FM and East Coast Radio, he moved to YFM, where his drive-time show with Dineo Ranaka, called The Essential Rush, became a hit. In 2012, he joined Ukhozi FM.
Starting the year with a loss of a radio legend 😨💔💔… RIP Chilli M your contribution to the Radio industry will never go unnoticed nor will it ever be forgotten! pic.twitter.com/maDhKrciiw
— Mrs Messi 🐐 (@JacintaNgobese) January 3, 2020
Joseph Shabalala
In February we lost Legendary musician who is credited with founding Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala.
RIP: Joseph Shabalala has passed away
Reports coming in are that the founder of the multiple @Grammys award winning group Ladysmith Black Mambazo died at a Pretoria hospital.#RIPJosephShabalala pic.twitter.com/FpnboJksAG
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) February 11, 2020
Vinolia “V Mash” Mashego
Early April SA Renowned veteran TV presenter and actress Vinolia Mashego, who was well known for hosting the show, Jam Alley. The veteran presenter passed away at the age of 56, in a peaceful sleep at her home.
RIP: TV personality and former Generations star, Vinolia Mashego has passed away.
Mashego was currently a host of Bheka Sik’bambile on Moja Love.
She was 56. #RIPVinoliaMashego #RIPVMash pic.twitter.com/4ZPF47XX8p
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) April 6, 2020
Charles “Big Boy” Maja
In April we lost our beloved Skeem Saam actor Charles Big Boy Maja. The talented actor died after he suffered from a stroke.
RIP Ntate Big Boy Maja , Skeem Saam wont be the same without you 💔#RIPCharlesMaja pic.twitter.com/lKDT9pu77X
— Hermaine M (@HermaineM) April 9, 2020
Sipho Ngema
Again in April 2020, a talented actor Sipho Ngema died of heart failure caused by pulmonary hypertension, the Mzansi actor was much best know of his roles in Uzalo and Rythym City.
Another Soldier Has Fallen
RIP Sipho Ngema pic.twitter.com/cBiJscnb5R— T.D. Maluleka. (@malulekaTD) April 23, 2020
Jovan Muthray
In June we lost Jovan Muthray who was a great South African comedian and an actor in Imbewu: The seed as Nilesh. Jovan Muthray died after committing suicide.
Mid 2020 still no rest in SA as the grim reaper is still looms…
Condolences are pouring in for South African comedian and actor Jòvan Muthray who died on Sunday.
Circumstances around his death is unknown and his family have not released a statement yet.
Muthray was playing Nilesh on #ImbewuTheSeed pic.twitter.com/50FIwR9cS2
— SIMMY FREDDIE (@SimFreddie) June 24, 2020
Mary “Mampinga” Twala
Early July Mzansi was left if shock after we learnt of the death of the legendary actress Mary Twala. She will go down in history as one of the best we have ever had. The actress passed away in hospital, after battling a long illness.
RIP: Actress Mary Twala has passed away
80 year old legendary star of stage and screen has died, leaving a legacy of a long career and inspiration.
To her son Somizi, it’s not only your tree but the nation’s that’s fallen. #PhilReports #RIPMaryTwala pic.twitter.com/YMA2MEGdMc
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) July 4, 2020
Zindzi Mandela
In July we sadly lost the daughter of former South African President Nelson Mandela and Denmark ambassador. In the hearts of many, she’ll remain as one who fought the good till the end.
RIP 🙏🏼
“Zindzi Mandela, daughter of former South African president & anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela, has died. Zindzi Mandela, was serving as South Africa's ambassador to Denmark… She was 59.” pic.twitter.com/ZRa6XatniX
— 🦉LC_Lars: *In t/name of Love🔥 (@lars10_lc) July 13, 2020
DJ Papers
Still in the month of July popular Amapiano DJ and dancer Vusi “Papers 707″ Mabuza has died at the age of 42. The star died in hospital after being admitted to hospital for gout.
Dj Papers 707 the brains behind the trending amapiano dance 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Uxaj5JiQON
— #UnemploymentMustFall👷🏿♂️ (@Lindo_ntusi) July 15, 2020
Allen Booi
In July we also lost Veteran actor Allen Booi. Booi was best known for his role as Mike in the SABC1 drama series Tsha Tsha and as Godfrey Xaba After Nine.
RIP: Actor Allen Booi had died
Best known for his role as Mike on Tsha Tsha, Booi has starred in over 20 local productions. #RIPAllenBooi #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/WszpfrxbjQ
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) July 20, 2020
Karabo Mokhubela
The month of July also took away another Skeem Saam actor Karabo Mokhubela. He played the character Jazzy T and was 40 years of age at the time of his death. The cause of his death was not revealed.
Skeem Saam announced the passing of the actor Karabo Mokhubela
He played the role of Jazzy T, a music producer on the @Official_SABC1 popular educational show. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/sKYe7tJyg1
— TV Mzansi (@TvMzansi) July 27, 2020
Candy Moloi
July 2020 was the month where the dark cloud hanged in South Africa, as it was ending another veteran actress Candy Moloi died following her battle with cancer.
RIP: Actress Candy Moloi has passed away
She is best known for her role on Muvhango as Vho Makhadzi
The SAFTA winner was actress Lerato Moloi’s mother. #RIPCandyMoloi #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/FZcdtMc4ew
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) July 28, 2020
Bob Mabena
In August SA lost a legendary radio host Bob Mabena, his death shocked many across the country and beyond. Bob Mabena suffered from a heart attack where he was admitted in hospital.
Rest in Power Bob Mabena and condolences to family and colleagues. Gone too soon! pic.twitter.com/lRPASajKjX
— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) August 11, 2020
Thandeka Mdeliswa
In September Thandeka, who starred in several TV productions including iKani, eKasi: Our Stories and the film Uthando Lukayisa, was shot in Evander, Mpumalanga, in what her family described as “another incident of violence against women”.
May South African actress Thandeka Mdeliswa’s beautiful soul rest in peace. Her and her family are in our thoughts and prayers. #ThandekaMdeliswa
Image credit: Kwanda Photography pic.twitter.com/QKa4jfF3b3
— Mzansi Magic (@Mzansimagic) September 8, 2020
Mshoza
In November the first lady of Kwaito passed away. The Kortez hitmaker succumbed died at the age of 37. It had been reported that she had suffered from complications relating to her diabetes.
Yhor 2020 has been the pits really
RIP Mshoza 💔💔😭😢 I was never ready pic.twitter.com/tmo63dueLq— TswanaManWithPower💪 (@David_Gabaocoe) November 19, 2020
Anele Ngcongca
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Anele Ngcongca sadly passed away following a tragic car accident. The 33-year-old died a few days after the passing of his former lover Kwaito star Mshoza, real name Nomasonto Maswanganyi.
RIP: Anele Ngcongca
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender has passed away. the soccer star was involved in a car accident.
He was 33. #RIPAneleNgcongca pic.twitter.com/IC4nzL94cO
— Kgopolo Mphela (@PhilMphela) November 23, 2020
Motjeka Madisha
In December Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha lost his life in a car accident. The rising star was involved in a horrific car crash in Kempton Park.
Masses agree that this year can just end because it felt like a horror movie that nobody wanted to really see.
Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha lost his life in a car accident. The rising star was involved in a horrific car crash in Kempton Park on Saturday evening, just hours after the club's 50th anniversary celebrations. #RiPMadisha pic.twitter.com/JQt5ZN8qKz
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) December 13, 2020