TRIBUTES are pouring in for veteran TV star, Joe Mafela. The 75-year-old, who was one of South Africa’s most well-known faces in acting and music, was involved in a fatal car crash on Saturday night.
According to reports the accident occurred at about 10pm on the M1 North between the Oxford and Houghton Road off-ramps in Johannesburg. It’s believed a bakkie collided with Mafela’s vehicle. When paramedics arrived on scene there was nothing they could do and Mafela was declared deceased.
In 2005 Joe Mafela received a lifetime management theater achievement award. He had a storied career in theater, film and TV.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the passing of Mafela:
So sad to learn of the tragic passing of legendary South African actor Joe Mafela. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/qzoM2lEdda
— Ulrich Janse van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) March 19, 2017
We would like to extend our deepest condolences on the death of legendary actor Joe Mafela. Ulale ngoxolo tata.. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/Imv56G4ZKP
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 19, 2017
Sad News.. My Uncle Joe Mafela passed on last night. @SowetanLIVE @sundayworld @SAFilmSociety @Penguin_Film pic.twitter.com/s0g9qAEYE6
— #BagsFullOfRecords™ (@zaaibooconcepts) March 19, 2017
A very sad day indeed. He made a difference in many ways to our lives during difficult times. #JoeMafela pic.twitter.com/Z13Gi6wQL9
— Lwandu (@kgosi92) March 19, 2017
Rest In Peace Joe Mafela.. That's one route we shall all follow. We are no better off.. pic.twitter.com/j4agYpvFkb
— Lehlomela Tente (@LehlomelaTente) March 19, 2017
We are saddened by the loss of #JoeMafela, SA icon in yet another car accident on our roads RIP Joe pic.twitter.com/VACNDONM61
— Proudly South African (@ProudlySA) March 19, 2017
#JoeMafela My heart is shattered. One of my all time favourite actors. Thank you for making beautiful tv. #JoeMafela #Sgudisnayisi #Sdumo pic.twitter.com/wLThen0a3L
— Thandokuhle Kubheka (@Thand_okuhle) March 19, 2017
Rest In Peace to my most favourite Joe Mafela. Man oh man, I really thought I'd live to see him face to face and just laugh. #JoeMafela pic.twitter.com/2f2Gu92YJS
— akabellase ???? (@AKABELL_) March 19, 2017
What a Legend, brought so many laughs to so many homes, you have done well Tata RIP #JoeMafela
— Hlumela Odunuga (@hlumie212) March 19, 2017