SA Stars We Lost In 2017
SA Stars We Lost In 2017. The year has had its fair share of ups and downs. In the middle of triumphs we have also lost talented people. Not only is it a loss to their families, South Africa also mourned the loss of these talented people. The following people will always remain in our hearts as they have worked hard to put South Africa on the map.
1. Dumisani Ngema
The actor was gunned down in a botched hijacking in Tembisa. Masilela and a friend had parked a VW Golf in the road when a black Jeep approached them. They tried to flee from attempted hijackers but a car chase ensued and the occupants of the Jeep opened fire.
2. Lundi Tyamara
The gospel musician that has touched many hearts with his beautiful voice and great music. He passed away after battling with Stomach TB on 27 January 2017. Although he was ill for a long while no one was prepared for his untimely death.
3. Jabu Khubeka
Jabu Christopher Kubheka, popularly known as Gunman, who was found dead at his Soshanguve home in Pretoria The talented veteran actor took his own life, after he hit a low. the pressures of not getting enough acting gigs as well as societal expectations might have something to do with the untimely death of the charismatic actor.
4. Mandla Hlatswayo
The former Generations actor and JoziFM DJ Mandla Hlatshwayo,was shot dead in May. It was reported that four armed men came into the place Mandla was chilling at. Mandla and a friend were trying to rescue two girls who were being robbed and they were shot and killed instantly.
5. Iko Mash
Celebrity stylist Iko Mash is also among those who lost their lives this year. Mash died after a battle with cancer. He was well-known in celebrity circles for being a stylist and make-up artist and in 2015 joined the cast of Rhythm City as Zahr, a transgender woman.
6. Anthony Motaung
Tskeleke as he was affectionately known was diagnosed with diabetes a few years back and was told his right leg would have to be amputated, a suggestion he was initially against. He then succumbed to the disease this year.
7. Joe Mafela
In March South Africa woke up to the wrenching news of the death of one of its greats, Joe Mafela. The legendary Sgudi ‘Snaysi actor died in a car accident on the M1 highway in Johannesburg on Saturday night leaving South Africans in shock and mourning.
8. Ray Phiri
Jazz veteran Ray Phiri died on July 12 after a battle with lung cancer. He took his last breath in his wife, Rabelani’s arms. The self-taught musician famously collaborated on Paul Simon’s Graceland album. He was 70 years old, and still a force to be reckoned with.
9. Mary Makgatho
Veteran actress Mary Makgatho died this August after complications from a fall in July. Mary was admitted into high care on July 10 after injuring herself from a fall. She spent a few weeks in hospital before succumbing to her injuries. She was known for her roles in Yizo Yizo, Generations, Rhythm City and more.
