Losing a loved one is a devastating experience. It comes with deep feelings of loss and helplessness. The reality is that all human beings will die, celebrities included. The South African celebrities who died recently left a gaping hole in the entertainment industry.

Zahara, Zoleka Mandela, and Mbongeni Ngema posing for pictures. Photo: @zaharasa, @zolekamandela, @mbongeningema_ (modified by author)
Source: UGC

It is normal to experience emotional and psychological distress after the loss of a loved one. In the recent past, South Africa has lost celebrities, including singers and actors. The South African celebrities who died recently are remembered for their work.

South African celebrities who died recently

Check out the list of South African celebrities who died recently and the cause of their demise.

1. Mthobeli ‘KCi’ August

Year of birth: 1976
Demise: 30 December 2023
Age at death: 47 years

The late Mthobeli ‘KCi’ August was a Umhlobo Wenene FM personality. His body was discovered in his Johannesburg home. There were speculations that he took his own life, but his family dismissed the rumours.

2. Mbongeni Ngema

Mbongeni Ngema is pictured in white and orange shirts. Photo: @mbongeningema_ (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 10 May 1955
Demise: 27 December 2023
Age at death: 68 years

The late Mbongeni Ngema was a playwright, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer, and theatre producer. He was best known for co-writing the 1988 musical Sarafina! He died in a hospital in Mbizana after a car accident.

3. Fatima Sydow

Year of birth: 1973
Demise: 19 December 2023
Age at death: 50 years

The late Fatima Sydow was a famous cookbook author and television personality. She was known for her exceptional culinary skills, infectious enthusiasm and warm personality. Sydow died at the age of 50 after a three-year battle with soft tissue sarcoma.

4. DJ Mulo

DJ Mulo is pictured in colourful outfits. Photo: @iammulo (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 11 August 1985
Demise: 16 December 2023
Age at death: 38 years

Former YFM and eTV presenter Nhlamulo Hlungwani, alias DJ Mulo, died on the morning of Reconciliation Day in his Bryanston home after battling cancer. He was married to fellow TV presenter Ntokozo Molefe.

5. Zahara

The late Zahara in yellow and white outfits. Photo: @zaharasa (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 9 November 1987
Demise: 11 December 2023
Age at death: 36 years

Bulelwa Mkutukana, alias Zahara, was a famous singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She sang in Xhosa and English. She is among the female South African celebrities who died recently.

Zahara died at a hospital in Johannesburg. She had been admitted mid-November with liver complications which worsened. She had suffered from liver disease after problems with alcoholism.

6. Lebohang Mpyana

Lebohang Mpyana in blue and black outfits. Photo: @lettielebohang (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 3 January 1989
Demise: 1 November 2023
Age at death: 34 years

The late Lebohang Mpyana was a talented and upcoming South African actress and Sepedi-speaking comedian. She was best known as Khelina on Mzansi Magic’s DiepCity. Lebohang Mpyana passed away after a short illness.

7. Zoleka Mandela

The late Zoleka Mandela in pink and black outfits. Photo: @zolekamandela (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 9 April 1980
Demise: 25 September 2023
Age at death: 43 years

Zoleka Zobuhle Mandela was best known as Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter. She was a writer and activist who wrote about her addictions, her daughter’s death, and her battle with breast cancer. Zoleka passed away after a spirited battle with cancer.

8. Derek Watts

Date of birth: 24 November 1948
Demise: 22 August 2023
Age at death: 74 years

Derek Neil Watts was an investigative reporter and television presenter who worked for Carte Blanche on M-Net for 35 years. Derek Watts died on 22 August 2023 after a battle with skin cancer that spread to his lungs.

9. Angie Oeh

Angie Oeh in white and black outfits. Photo: @angie_oeh (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Year of birth: 1998
Demise: 19 August 2023
Age at death: 25 years

The late Angie Oeh is one of the South African celebrities who died young. She was only 25 when she passed away. Angie was an upcoming Afrikaans mumble rapper from Pretoria, Gauteng. She was known for her breakout song Dis Jou Wyfie. She died after battling stage 4 lung cancer for a while.

10. Patrick Ndlovu

Date of birth: 15 November 1938
Demise: 30 May 2023
Age at death: 85 years

Legendary actor and consummate professional Patrick Ndlovu was best known for Knuckle City, Oddball Hall, and Shaka Zulu. He died on 30 May 2023 of natural causes.

11. Eusebius McKaiser

Eusebius McKaiser in green and blue tees. Photo: @eusebius_mckaiser (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 28 March 1978
Date of death: 30 May 2023
Age at death: 45 years

The late Eusebius McKaiser was a political analyst, journalist, and broadcaster. He wrote for the Mail & Guardian, the Sunday Times, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, The New York Times, and Business Day. He died suddenly in Johannesburg this week after a suspected epileptic seizure.

12. Marietjie Bothma

Marietjie Bothma in colourful outfits. Photo: @bothmamarietjie (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 25 January 1984
Demise: 29 May 2023
Age at death: 39 years

The late Marietjie Bothma was an iconic South African television personality, radio broadcaster, and comedian. She died after a long illness.

13. Mark Pilgrim

Mark Pilgrim in maroon and navy blue t-shirts. Photo: @markpilgrimza (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 20 September 1969
Demise: 5 March 2023
Age at death: 53 years

The late Mark Pilgrim was a media personality who hosted numerous radio and television shows. He is best remembered as a DJ on 5FM, Eastrand-oos Rand stereo, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm, Hot919 and Hot102.7fm. He died after battling stage 4 lung cancer.

14. Charlbi Dean Kriek

Charlbi Dean Kriek is pictured outdoors holding a pet dog and in a suit. Photo: @charlbi143 (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Year of birth: 5 February 1990
Demise: 29 August 2022
Age at death: 32 years

Charlbi Dean Kriek was best known for her roles in Black Lightning and Triangle of Sadness. Autopsy results released on 21 December 2022 confirmed the actress died of bacterial sepsis. The infection was caused by exposure to the bacteria Capnocytophaga.

15. Mncedisi Shangangu

Year of birth: 1969
Demise: 24 July 2022
Age at death: 53 years

The late Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu was best known for his character as Khulekani Ngobese on Rhythm City. The actor, playwright, and theatre director passed away on 24 July 2022. He died in the early hours after complaining of chest pains.

16. Busi Lurayi

Busi Lurayi is posing in pink outfits. Photo: @busi_lurayi (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Year of birth: 1986
Demise: 10 July 2022
Age at death: 36 years

The sudden demise of actress Busi Lurayi caught South Africans by surprise. She was best known for her lead role as Tumi in How to Ruin Christmas. Busi passed away suddenly and was pronounced dead at her residence on 10 July 2022 by medical personnel.

17. Jamie Bartlett

Year of birth: 9 July 1966
Demise: 23 May 2022
Age at death: 55 years

James Bartlett was a British-born South African actor best known for his role as the wicked puppet master, David Genaro in Rhythm City. He was formerly married to actress Camilla Waldman, known for her role in Generations. James Bartlett died of a cardiac arrest.

18. Siyabonga Zubane

Date of birth: 5 October 1998
Demise: 7 May 2022
Age at death: 23 years

The late Siyabonga Zubane is one of the South African celebrities who died recently. He passed away at 23. He is best remembered as Sdumo in Gomora. He died of suicide.

19. James Alexander, aka James Gracie

Date of birth: 8 January 1978
Demise: 28 April 2023
Age at death: 45 years

The late James Gracie was an actor and writer. He is best remembered for Discreet, Eye in the Sky, and Semi-Soet. He died on 28 April 2023 after a spirited battle with head and neck cancer.

20. Siyanda Sesimani

Year of birth: 14 February 1990
Demise: 11 March 2022
Age at death: 32 years

Siyanda Sesimani is one of the South African actors who died recently. He is best remembered as a star on Soul City and The Estate.

He passed away on 11 March 2022 after being in a coma for almost a month. He was badly hurt during a house break-in by unknown assailants on 15 February 2022 and was admitted to Garden City Hospital with head injuries.

He was in the intensive care unit in a comatose state before taking his last breath. He appeared to have been recovering well until he had a seizure and went into cardiac arrest.

21. Kuli Roberts

Date of birth: 16 December 1972
Demise: 9 February 2022
Age at death: 49 years

Nomakula Kuli Roberts is one of the South African actors who passed away recently. She was a celebrated actress, radio and television personality, and author. She was also a fashion and beauty enthusiast.

The actress collapsed and died at about 10 p.m. on 9 February 2022. This happened on the set of her new show. People speculated that she died of a heart attack. Her exact cause of death was not disclosed to the public.

22. Patrick Shai

Date of birth: 9 December 1956
Demise: 22 January 2022
Age at death: 65 years

Patrick Molefe Shai was an actor known for starring in many South African series and films, including Zone 14, Soul City, Ashes to Ashes, Generations, and Zero Tolerance. He passed away on 22 January 2022 after battling severe depression. He lost his life to suicide, and his remains were discovered in his house garage in Dobsonville, Soweto.

23. Gloria Bosman

Gloria Bosman is pictured smiling. Photo: @gloriabosman (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Year of birth: 1973
Demise: 14 March 2023
Age at death: 50 years

The late Gloria Bosman was a jazz singer who began her career singing in a church choir in Soweto. She was also a vocalist, composer, and teacher. She died from a short respiratory illness.

24. Costa Titch

Costa Titch is pictured in sunglasses. Photo: @costatitch (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 10 September 1995
Demise: 11 March 2023
Age at death: 28 years

Costantinos Tsobanoglou, commonly known as Costa Titch, was a celebrated Amapiano rapper and dancer. The artist collapsed and died onstage during a performance at a music festival. His family did not give a specific cause of demise.

25. Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko

Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko is smiling for the camera. Photo: @iam_lentswe (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 22 July 1986
Demise: 28 February 2023
Age at death: 36 years

The late Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko was a celebrity chef. He passed away on 28 February 2023 at Sandton Medi-Clinic. He died after suffering a brief illness. The exact name of the sickness was not given.

26. AKA (Kiernan Jarryd Forbes)

Rapper AKA is posing for the camera. Photo: @akaworldwide (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 28 January 1988
Demise: 10 February 2023
Age at death: 35 years

AKA is a South African singer who died recently. He was a celebrated rapper, record producer, and businessman. He was scheduled to perform at Yugo nightclub in Durban on 10 February 2023.

At around 10 p.m. that night, he and Tebello Motsoane were standing outside a restaurant called Wish. A gunman ran up to them and shot AKA in the head, while his accomplice, who was standing by the rapper’s car, fired more shots, which killed Motsoane.

27. Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane

Year of birth: 1982
Demise: 10 February 2023
Age at death: 41 years

Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane was a chef, entrepreneur, and a good friend to AKA. The two were shot at close range by unknown assailants who are believed to be hired hitmen. Motsoane passed away on 10 February 2023 alongside AKA.

28. Vusi Ma R5

Date of birth: 28 May 1988
Demise: 30 January 2023
Age at death: 34 years

The late Vusi Ma R5 was a music artist remembered for Thaba, Tse Nnyane, Matenase, and O Mang. He passed away on 30 January 2023 after being shot. He was hanging out with friends at a pub in Soshanguve. He was shot as he crossed the street to go to his car.

29. DJ Dimplez

Date of birth: 31 August 1992
Demise: 6 March 2022
Age at death: 29 years

Boitumelo Athiel Mooi, commonly known as DJ Dimplez, is among the South African celebrities who died recently. He is remembered for his contribution to the local music and pop culture industry. The DJ passed away from a brain haemorrhage.

30. Riky Rick

Rapper Riky Rik posing for pictures. Photo: @rikyrickworld (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Date of birth: 20 July 1987
Demise: 23 February 2022
Age at death: 34 years

The departure of Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, commonly known as Riky Rick, was one of the most shocking deaths. The famous rapper reportedly hanged himself with a rope in his home.

People tried to save his life, but he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The rapper was battling depression and substance abuse before his demise.

31. DJ Citi Lyts

DJ Citi Lyts is pictured in a red and white cap. Photo: pexels.com, @citilyts_sa (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Birth: 1989
Demise: 14 February 2022
Age at death: 32 years

Sandile Mkhize, commonly known as DJ Citi Lyts, was best known as the brother of Prokid, the late rapper. He was a talented musician known for hits like Washa Washa and Vurra. He lost his life on Valentine’s Day 2022 at 32 years. His family revealed that he was ambushed and shot to death in Dube, Soweto.

Recap of the South African celebrities who died recently

What South African actor died recently?

The SA actors who passed away recently include Zoleka Mandela, Mbongeni Ngema, DJ Mulo, Zahara, Lebohang Mpyana, Derek Watts, Angie Oeh, Mthobeli ‘KCi’ August, and Fatima Sydow.

Which South African celebrity died on stage?

Costantinos Tsobanoglou, commonly known as Costa Titch, collapsed and passed away onstage.

Did the actor who portrayed Sdumo in Gomora die?

Yes, Gomora actor Siyabonga Zubane, popularly known for his role in Gomora as Sdumo, passed away in May 2022.

Who are the South African celebrities who died of HIV?

SA celebs who died of HIV include Gibson Mthuthuzeli Kente, Fana Khaba, and Nkosi Johnson.

Dying is an inevitable part of life. South African celebrities who died recently will be remembered for their contribution to the local and international entertainment industry.

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