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- From rappers to performers and chefs, a number of celebrities died in 2023.
- Some of these were sudden and left fans searching for answers.
- Family and friends will be spending their first festive season without their loved ones.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
In the year 2023, family and friends of famous faces in the industry bid farewell to their loved ones. The deaths not only affect those in their close circles but their fans as well. These celebrity deaths sent shockwaves across the country.
Vusi Ma R5
Bacardi music pioneer Itumeleng Mosoeu, popularly known as Vusi Ma R5, died in January. In a statement to News24 at the time, police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello confirmed that Vusi Ma R5 had been shot dead.
Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes
Rapper AKA was shot dead in February outside a restaurant in Florida Road, Durban.
In a statement his family said: "Our son was loved, and he gave love in return. In this time of grief, we appeal for your compassion, space, and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days."
Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane
AKA's long-time friend and former manager, chef, and businessman, Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane, was killed in the same shooting.
The Motsoane family issued a statement in which they said: "To us, Tebello was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. To many, he was Tibz Wa Bantwana, Chief of Cool, Summer Time Cool Creator, K1 K9, and the many other names of affection. Our son was loved, and he gave love in return. As we come to terms with the devastating truth that our only son is no longer with us, we appeal for your compassion, space, and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days.
Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko
South African celebrity chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko died in March.
"It is with great sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, fondly known to the media and his culinary family as Chef Lentswe," his family said in a statement on Instagram.
According to the statement, Chef Lentswe died at Sandton Medi-Clinic after suffering a short illness.
Mark Pilgrim
Veteran radio and TV presenter Mark Pilgrim died in March after battling Stage 4 lung cancer. He was 53.
Pilgrim was diagnosed in March 2022 and he revealed in June that it had spread to his femur, the base of his spine, and lymph nodes.
The radio presenter launched a YouTube video series chronicling his recovery journey.
Costa Titch
South African rapper Costa Titch died at the age of 28
According to reports, he collapsed on stage during his performance at the Ultra Music Festival at the Nasrec Expo Centre on 11 March.
Gloria Bosman
Renowned jazz singer and composer Gloria Bosman died at the age of 50. The South African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) confirmed the news in a press statement. Bosman was appointed to the board of Samro at its last Annual General Meeting in December 2022. The organisation announced the appointment on social media in February.
"The Southern African Music Rights Organisation is saddened by the passing of its board member, Ms Gloria Bosman, who died on 14 March 2023," the statement read.
Marietjie Bothma
TV personality, MC, motivational speaker, and radio presenter, Marietjie Bothma - popularly known as "Intombi Yomzulu" died in a Gauteng hospital in May after a cancer diagnosis.
Eusebius McKaiser
Broadcaster, author, and political analyst Eusebius McKaiser died in May
His manager, Jackie Strydom, said at the time: "He died earlier this afternoon in Joburg."
Patrick Ndlovu
Actor Patrick Ndlovu's managing agency, Moonyeenn Lee Associates (MLA SA), confirmed his death on social media in May.
The veteran actor was best known for his role as Sizwe Moloi in the SABC1 drama series Zone 14 and as school principal Mr Thembu in the popular television series, Yizo Yizo.
Angie Oeh
Afrikaans rapper Angelique Eurika Greeff, 24, known as Angie Oeh, died in August following a Stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis.
Greeff died at Life Wilgers Hospital in Pretoria.
"It is very sad and very terrible to lose Angie at such a young age," said Wynand Myburgh, aka Valkie van Coke – Angie's manager and friend. "Those who met or worked with him will know how wonderful and unique she was."
Derek WattsVeteran journalist Derek Watts, 74, died in August after battling lung cancer. Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022, which then spread to his lungs; with the support of his family and specialists, he could continue presenting Carte Blanche.He was diagnosed with severe sepsis after he collapsed in Hoedspruit during a family trip and said that he had to learn to walk again with the help of a physiotherapist.In June, the investigative show announced that Watts was stepping back from his work to focus on his health, and in July, he confirmed that his 35 years on the show had reached an end."My dearest dad, my best friend and constant supporter, it is impossible to put into words the pain and loss I'm feeling right now with you leaving us," Watts' son Tyrone said in a tribute, read by Dan Nicholl at his memorial service. "You are the only role model I've ever needed. You showed me compassion, gratitude, generosity, humour, grace and unconditional love like I've never felt before."
Zoleka Mandela
Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of anti-apartheid icons Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, died in September after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 43.
She died one day before her grandmother would have turned 87,
According to a statement from the family, Zoleka died after being admitted to the hospital on 18 September for ongoing treatment for cancer of the hip, liver, lung, pelvis, brain, and spinal cord.
Lebohang Mpyana
Award-winning actor and comedian Lebohang Mpyana died after a short illness.
Mpyana gained popularity through her role as Khelina in Mzansi Magic's (DStv 161) DiepCity. Mpyana won the Viewer's Choice Best Actress award at the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards for her role in the show.
Bulelwa 'Zahara' Mkutukana
The South African singer, real name Bulelwa Mkutukana, died on 11 December surrounded by family and loved ones.
"It is with heavy hearts and deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Zahara," read a statement her family posted on Instagram page.
Fatima Sydow
Cookbook author and TV personality Fatima Sydow, 50, died on 19 December after a three-year battle with soft tissue sarcoma."It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Fatima Sydow, renowned culinary artist and beloved personality, who left an indelible mark on the culinary world," said her family in a statement.
"Fatima, known for her exceptional culinary skills, infectious enthusiasm and warm personality, passed away peacefully earlier today [Tuesday] at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town after battling soft tissue sarcoma since 2020.
Sydow gained recognition and became well-known through her Facebook page, which she started in 2011.
Mbongeni Ngema
The 68-year-old playwright and composer died in a head-on collision in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on 27 December according to a statement by the family. Ngema, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was returning from a funeral.
"The Ngema family, colleagues and friends are deeply devastated about Ngema's passing," the statement read.
Mthobeli 'KCi' August
The former Umhlobo Wenene afternoon show presenter was discovered unconscious in his Johannesburg home on Friday, 29 December.
"It is with great sadness that the August family announces the passing of their son Mthobeli KCi August," said his family in a statement.
"Mthobeli was a decorated radio broadcaster who enthralled audiences across South Africa with his unique style of presenting."
