South African Veteran Actors We Have Lost In 2021

South African Veteran Actors We Have Lost In 2021. This has been such a heavy year for many people, and the entertainment industry has not been sparred either. So many of our actors among them Menzi Ngubane, Shona Ferguson, Sam Phillips, Lindiwe Ndlovu David Buttler, Noxolo Maqashalala, Ceagan Arendse and Ben Kruger among others. These actors have been on our screens for as long as we can remember, and their passing has been such a huge blow.

Menzi Ngubane

One of the most talented actor that we lost this year is Menzi Ngubane. The award winning actor passed away at his Ladysmith Home in March following complications from a stroke. The 56 year old actor was known by many as Sibusiso Dhlomo on Generations, and Judas Ngwenya on Isibaya. Ngubane played numerous roles on other South African TV shows, including Yizo Yizo, Ashes to Ashes, Gold Diggers, and Heist. He also appeared in a number of South African films, including How to Steal 2 Million.

Shona Ferguson

In July, we lost one of the best things to ever happen to TV. Shona Ferguson, lost his battle to Covid19 after being hospitalized for a few weeks. The award winning actor and executive producer worked his way up, from being an underrated actor, to being one of the biggest key players in the industry. Through his company, Ferguson Films, he is responsible for hit shows like The Queen, The Wild, The Throne, and Kings of Joburg.

Mutodi Neshehe

The beginning of July, we lost former Muvhango actor Mutodi Neshehe. The talented actor, was best known for his role as Ndalamo Mukwevho on the SABC2 drama. Neshehe also captured the heart of many with his roles on Jacob’s Cross, Egoli, Skwizas and Generations: The Legacy. He also acted in several international projects including the ITV drama Wild at Heart.

Noxolo Maqashalala

In March this year, tragedy fell upon the industry, when Noxolo Maqashalala passed on. The veteran actress’s body was found in her Honeydew home, with reports that she had been dead for days. 44 year old Noxolo played Viwe in the youth drama series ‘Tsha Tsha‘ and appeared on ‘Generations‘ and ‘Rhythm City‘ among other local dramas, was found dead on 12 March 2021.

Shaleen Surtie-Richards

Shaleen Surtie-Richards passed away in June this year. The veteran actress had been in Cape Town to shoot episodes of the show she was appearing in and when she didn’t show up on set and someone went looking for her at the guesthouse where she was staying. The 66-year-old star was sadly found in her room. She was well known for shows like Fiela se Kind and Broken Vows.

MacDonald Mathunjwa

Also in June, we lost yet another talent, MacDonald Mathunjwa. The legendary actor and musician passed away on June 1st in the early hours of the morning. Mathunjwa will be remembered for his role in hit SABC’s drama series Home Affairs. He also played Oupa in the SABC1 comedy series Khululeka. Some of his other roles include playing Tshibaphi in the drama series Intsika, in 2011. One of his biggest TV gigs saw him in the SABC1 mini-series uGugu no Andile, based on the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, in 2008. Soap opera lovers will also remember him on the old or defunct Generations on SABC1 as Mawande’s father.

Sam Phillips

In January, the nation mourned the death of yet another veteran. Phillips was well known in the industry as an actor, writer, producer and music composer. He featured in well-known productions including Phamokate, Backstage, Soul City and The Queen. He also acted in international plays like Athol Fugard’s Master Herold and The Boys in New Orleans.

Lindiwe Ndlovu

One of the saddest news we have received thus far in 2021, is the passing away of veteran actress, Lindiwe Ndlovu. The SAFTA award-winning actresses passed away on 11 January 2021 at her home. Many people will remember her for her iconic roles on Mzansi Magic hit series Lockdown, TV drama Ifalakhe and eHostela. She also made her mark on movies like, Little One and Safari among many shows. Ndlovu’s impressive work was rewarded when she was presented with a Safta Best Actress award in a feature film by veteran US actor Samuel L. Jackson.

David Buttler

Veteran actor David Butler loses battle with cancer at the age of 61 in May this year. David was best known for decades of work in theatre, TV and film. Internationally, the actor starred in the drama series Life is Wild in 2007.  Over the years on home soil he starred in several local shows including Generations, Egoli: Place of Gold, Binnelanders and more recently Gomora. 

Luzuko Nteleko

Cancer has claimed yet another life of one of our great actors. 36 year old Luzuko Ntekelo was diagnosed with stage 4 rare brain cancer. The doctors gave up the possibility of him waking up from a coma after spending 7 weeks in ICU. He however managed to beat the chronic disease, and was back to good health. Sadly Ntekelo has lost his life in the early hours of Tuesday 22 June, 2021. He has been on major shows such as SABC2 drama Muvhango, Ring of Lies, City Ses’la, Isidingo, Mfolozi Street, among so many others.

Ceagan Arendse

In February 14th, we lost a very talented actor to suicide. Ceagan Arendse, who suffered from depression committed suicide. The 34-year-old actor from Paarl was a well-known actor on local screens with roles in Suidooster as Frankie, and Theo in Projek Dina. Arendse, is known for his role as Woelag in Afrikaans soapie Arendsvlei.

Ben Kruger

Veteran actor Ben Kruger, popularly known for his role on Binnelanders, also passed away this year. He died at the age of 64 back in May. Kruger was known for his character Okkie Ferreira, aka “Oom Okkie”, on the kykNET soapie. Over the years fans also got to see Ben in action as Sakkie Bezuidenhoudt in the SABC2 drama series Zero Tolerance and as Neef Gert in 7de Laan. He also played the role of James Gregory in the movie Mandela and De Klerk, which released in 1997.