From famous actors to celebrated musicians, here are the South African stars who passed away this year.
2024 has been a bittersweet year for South Africa's showbiz industry, with the passing of some iconic figures who left an indelible impact through their talent, passion and dedication.
From well-known actors to well-known musicians, here are 16 famous South Africans who passed away this year.
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10 South African celebrities who died in 2024
1. Dingaan Thobela
Popularly known as the 'Rose of Soweto', he passed away on April 29, 2024 due to complications following a heart attack.
The two-time WBO world titleholder was praised for his extraordinary achievements in the boxing ring.
2. Mpho Sebeng
He is widely known for his roles in shows such as. Rhythm City, Ring of Lies, Trousers, Miseducation And so on, the actor tragically lost his life in a traffic accident on May 5, 2024.
3. Marome Vector
The Lesotho superstar, who was based in South Africa, passed away on July 24, 2024 in a road accident. Marome Vector was known for his unique blend of hip-hop and Sesotho influences.
read more: 'What a terrible loss' – Tributes continue to pour in for Marome Vector
4. Rizwi Wokukala
Rizwi died along with Marome Vector in the same car accident. He was an up-and-coming contemporary traditional music star known for his dedication to isiZulu cultural music.
5. Connie Chaiume
Connie Chaiume, the famous actress who captivated audiences as Mamokete in Rhythm City and received international acclaim for her role in Black Panther, passed away of natural causes on August 6, 2024, according to a statement from her family.
6. Zanele Mbokazi
On August 12, 2024, the nation mourned the death of gospel icon and media personality Zanele Mbokazi, who lost his battle with cancer.
7. Thabiso Sikhwane
On August 31, radio personality and author Thabiso Sikwane also lost his battle with cancer.
Sikwane was widely known as the host of Kaya 959's breakfast show. He also worked for prominent radio stations such as SAfm, Voice of Soweto and Power 98.7.
8. Dr. Jessica Mbangeni
The 47-year-old South African poet also passed away on Saturday, August 31st, after a short illness.
Related article: DJ Fresh says 'I don't understand' Thabiso Sikhwane's death
9. Mapaputsi
Kuwaiti legend Mapapzi, known for hit songs such as “Ijinja” and “Ngiyabonga Baba”, passed away on September 6, 2024 after a short battle with illness.
10. Darlington “Papa G” Michaels
The legendary actor, widely known for his role in Isidingo, passed away on September 13, 2024 due to complications from a respiratory illness.
11. Cero Motolounge
Veteran actor Sello Motolounge passed away at the age of 54 after collapsing at his home in Johannesburg in September this year.
12. Solly Moholo
The legendary singer suffered a stroke and multiple organ failure while in Botswana and passed away in hospital on October 2nd.
13. Sasha-Lee Walton
The former beauty queen reportedly died by suicide at the age of 54.
Sasha Lee Walton. Photo: Facebook/Sasha Lee Walton
14. Adrian Alper
The director and actor passed away in May of this year at the age of 51 due to complications from tuberculosis.
15. Glynis Johns
The actress, who was born in Pretoria in October 1923, died in January this year at the age of 100.
16. Jean du Plessis
The 25-year-old singer, widely known by his stage name Jan Bruekers, lost his battle with cancer on December 3rd earlier this month.
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