Former ‘Backstage’ actor Sibusiso Radebe dies

Multi-award winning actor, dancer, vocalist and former star of the popular e.tv drama Backstage Sibusiso Radebe has reportedly died at the age of 37.

The news was confirmed via a Facebook friend of his, prompting numerous acquaintances to take to social media to share their shock and dismay at the news.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2571080236323579&set=a.107512176013743&type=3&theater

While the family is yet to release a statement about his passing, many have gone on to speculate that the cause for his death may have been related to his cancer diagnosis which he posted about in December.

According to Radebe’s Facebook post, dated December 23 2019, he was diagnosed with cancer in late 2018 and began chemotherapy in 2019.

He described the process of undergoing chemo as “the closest to hell I will ever experience,” before reflecting on his choice to fight through the diagnosis and choose life.

Taking to the comments of one of the posts by Radebe’s friends, a family member by the name of Phila Vilakazi stated that the family has not granted anyone permission to publish anything on social media.

“Please refrain from doing this. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time we will officially make a statement a little later,” added Vilakazi.

Although Radebe began his professional TV career at the age of 12 in the teen magazine show X-Attitude, he is best known for his role as Vuzi on the e.tv soapie Backstage, which he starred in between 1999-2004.

He went on to star in productions such as Mzansi, Stokvel, Home Affairs, Mtunzini.com and City Ses’la.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.