As we enter a new year, let us spare a thought for those who lost loved ones in 2019. A number of famous South Africans passed away last year…
Dan Tshanda – The musician and producer died at Sandton Mediclinic, Johannesburg, due to heart failure in January. He was 54 years old.
Sibusiso Khwinana – The Matwetwe lead actor was robbed and stabbed to death in Arcadia, Tshwane, in March.
Nichume Siwundla – Refiloe Siwundla, also known as Nichume, passed away in June. It is alleged that she committed suicide at a friend’s place. The vocalist shot to fame when she was featured in the Mobi Dixon hit ‘Bhutiza’. She also featured on the single ‘Daydreaming’ by Fistaz Mixwell and Mobi Dixon, as well as ‘Far Away’ by DJ Anda (featuring Mobi Dixon).
Nomhle Nkonyeni – The veteran actress who had appeared in numerous SABC productions (including Generations, Gaz’lam, Tsha-Tsha and Zero Tolerance) passed away in July at a Port Elizabeth hospital after a short illness.
Thembinkosi Mbamba – The TS Galaxy player died in a car accident last month, one week after his team was crowned Nedbank Cup champions after they beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in Durban.
Johnny Clegg – The singer, songwriter, dancer and anthropologist died at the age of 66 from pancreatic cancer in July. His band, Juluka, began as a duo with Sipho Mchunu and was the first group during apartheid with a white and a black man.
Thami Shobede – The Idols SA star collapsed while performing on stage in September and later died at Kalafong Hospital in Tshwane.
Andile Gumbi – The actor, known for his role of Zwelibanzi on Mzansi Magic’s drama series ‘Isibaya’, died in October after suffering a heart attack in Israel.
Xolani Gwala – Broadcaster and presenter Xolani Gwala died in November. He left many shocked when he announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in September 2017. He underwent treatment and returned to 702 in August last year. He was the host of Talk Radio 702’s Afternoon Drive and of the SABC1 talk show ‘Asikhulume’.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
