Stars who have died in 2018 so far

We are only four months into the year, and we have already lost several high-profile figures.

South Africa bid farewell to A-list actors, singers, and one of the most iconic faces in the world in 2018.

Here’s a look at some of the local stars we have lost since the beginning of the year.

Winnie Mandela

The death of Winnie Mandela shocked the nation. A few days before she passed away on Monday, April 2, Mama Winnie was pictured at a Good Friday service with her granddaughter Zoleka Mandela. Her family says she died “peacefully after a long illness.”

Scores of South African women paid tribute to the “mother of the nation” last week by wearing black outfits and a doek on Friday. Some of the celebrities participating in the tribute included Bonang Matheba, Simphiew Dana, Hulisani Ravele, Unathi, Anele Mdoda, Basetsana Kumalo, Jessica Nkosi and media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo.

They used the hashtag, #AllBlackWithADoek, and many raised their fist in the air – as Winnie did many times during the struggle.

“Winnie Mandela didn’t die, she multiplied,” the ANC captioned a picture of women participating in the initiative.

Sandy Mokwena

Veteran actor Sandy Mokwena died of natural causes in January. Sandy, who played Bra Eddie on e.tv’s Scandal!, has appeared on several major TV shows. Brighton Ngoma recalled his last day on set with the 68-year-old.

Actor Sandy Mokwena. Picture: Twitter/@etvSunrise

“You could see that he wasn’t well and was struggling but he wanted to be there and more than anything wanted to fulfill his passion of acting. It was inspiring to see him. His body was weak but his mind was still very sharp,” he told Tshisa Live.

Hugh Masekela

Award-winning musician Hugh Masekela lost his battle with prostate cancer in January.

Scores of people took to social media to share their favourite Bra Hugh songs. Several celebrities also shared their fondest memories of the star.

Hugh Masekela. Photo: Twitter

“For the pockets of laughter and pearls of wisdom … Bra Hugh, I thank you. And for the music … oh Bra Hugh, God bless you! Rest as you lived, musically!” Dineo Ranaka wrote on Instagram.

David Phetoe

Well-known actor David Phetoe died in hospital in February. He was 85. David was known for his role as Paul Moroka on Generations.

Sophie Ndaba, who played Queen Moroka on the show, said David played an important role in who she is today. “He was like a mentor to me and I was about 18 or 19 when I started working with him on Generations. I would even go to his house sometimes when I needed urgent advice on matters, be it personal or work-related,” she told Sowetan Live.

Chris Matshaba

Radio personality Chris Matshaba died in February – six months before his 40th birthday. He had cancer.

Family spokesperson Kabelo Mosito told Tshisa Live he continued to smile despite his battle. “He was sick but he would always have a smile on his face. He was in and out of hospital but he always seemed to bounce back. He went into hospital on Monday and we thought he would be out soon.”

Chris was married to former Muvhango actress, Tsholo Matshaba.

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