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We bow our heads in silence and remember fondly the greats who have departed, and also appreciate their contributions to the country’s arts and culture, writes Welcome Lishivha.
Oliver Mtukudzi
September 22 1952 – January 23 2019
Considered to be one of the most distinguished cultural and musical icons of our time for his Zimbabwe-inspired Afro jazz, Oliver Mtukudzi died in January, exactly a year after Bra Hugh Masekela passed away.
Mtukudzi was a philanthropist, a human rights activist and a Unicef goodwill ambassador for the southern Africa region.
Dorothy Masuka
September 3 1935 – February 23 2019
Zimbabwe-born South African jazz vocalist, Dorothy Masuka, died in February. She was 83.
Masuka was a singer and songwriter who blazed a trail for woman pop stars in South Africa. She was also a diligent advocate of the struggle against apartheid.
Carrol Boyes
May 1954 – August 14 2019
Originally an English teacher, Carrol Boyes is best known for founding the Carrol Boyes Kitchen and eating utensils design company that is celebrated for pioneering functional art.
Her unique designs and products are available in more than 30 countries.
Nomhle Nkonyeni
April 9 1942 – July 10 2019
Veteran actress Nomhle Nkonyeni died this year at the age of 77.
During her extensive career in the entertainment industry, she was a stage, film and television actor. Some of her starring roles were in Igazi, Gaz’lam, Zero Tolerance, Tsha Tsha and Home Affairs.
Johnny Clegg
June 7 1953 – July 16 2019
Celebrated for his fusion of African and Western cultures and sounds, Johnny Clegg is celebrated for daring to bring South Africans together with music when the state was enforcing divisions.
Clegg was a singer, songwriter and dancer, as well as an anthropologist, academic and activist.
Thami Shobede
April 19 1988 – September 12 2019
Singer and Idols SA season 12 runner-up was suffering from depression when he collapsed while performing in September.
His death shocked many and sparked conversations about mental health, with tweeps encouraging people to check up on their friends often.
Andile Gumede
September 10 1983 – October 25 2019
Andile Gumede acted in The Lion King and Isibaya. He suffered a fatal heart attack while playing King Nebu in Daniel the Musical at a theatre in Jerusalem, Israel.
Xolani Gwala
June 25 1975 – November 1 2019
Veteran radio and TV broadcaster, Xolani Gwala died after a two-year battle with colon cancer. Gwala, who was a leading host on Radio 702, had previously worked for the SABC as a news anchor, and also hosted the TV show Asikhulume.
Diligent, tough and charming, his death is a big loss to South African broadcasting and many will miss his sharp engagement in politics and his infectious laugh.
Sandile Dikeni
November 6 1966 – November 9 2019
South African poet and editor, Sandile Dikeni, died aged 53 in Cape Town following a long battle with tuberculosis. Dikeni is known for his poems Guava Juice and The Spear.
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