2023 has been a year of mixed emotions for many. While some have celebrated its highs, others have mourned the loss of loved ones. Among those who have passed away are several famous personalities whose deaths have brought sorrow not only to their families but also to their fans and followers. In this article, we will look at sixteen celebrity deaths of 2023 and their causes.

Number 1: Bin Tuli

Bin Tuli, a renowned soccer player and striker for AmaZulu FC, died on the 5th of November 2023, from an aggressive form of cancer. His death came just two months after his lavish wedding to his sweetheart, the CEO of AmaZulu. Tuli had a successful career and a promising future, making his passing a significant loss to the nation of Mzansi.

Number 2: OA Mandela

OA Mandela, a grandchild of Nelson Mandela, writer, and activist, died on the 25th of September 2023, from cancer. She was first treated for breast cancer in 2011, which returned in 2016.

In 2022, she revealed that the cancer had spread to most of her organs, including her lungs, liver, ribs, brain, spinal cord, and hips. OA Mandela passed away from terminal cancer and was buried in Fourways Memorial Park.

Number 3 & 4: AKA and Anele “Nelli” Tembe

AKA, professionally known as Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, and his friend Anele “Nelli” Tembe were assassinated on the 10th of February 2023. AKA, a rapper, businessman, and musician, was scheduled to perform at Yuga nightclub in Durban as part of his birthday celebrations.

He and Tembe were standing outside a Wish restaurant when two gunmen fired, fatally shooting them. The gunmen fled the scene on foot, and despite the incident being captured on security cameras, no one has been arrested until this day.

Number 5: Costa Titch

Costa Titch, an amapiano rapper, dancer, and artist, died on the 11th of March 2023, from unknown causes. His autopsy was never published, and the cause of his death remains a mystery. After his death, his mother promised via an Instagram post that she would never rest until she found out what happened to him.

Number 6: Patrick Lovu

Patrick Lovu, famously known for his role in “Imbewu: The Seed” and “Zone 14,” died on the 30th of May 2023, from natural causes. He was 85 years old and left behind his wife, son, daughter, and two daughters from his previous relationships.

Number 7: Vusi R5

Vusi R5, a bak music pioneer, died on the 30th of January 2023, after being shot to death. The tragic event happened in the early hours of Monday, the 30th of January 2023, after he performed at Club Le in Soweto.

Number 8: Mark Pilgrim

Mark Pilgrim, a veteran radio and television presenter, died on the 5th of March 2023, from lung cancer. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in March 2022, which had spread to his femur, the base of his spine, and lymph nodes. Pilgrim launched a YouTube video series chronicling his recovery journey, but unfortunately, his situation worsened, and he passed away on the 5th of March 2023.

Number 9: Angie Oer

Angie Oer, professionally known as Ang Oer, an African Mambo rapper, died of lung cancer on the 20th of August 2023. She was diagnosed with cancer on the 12th of August 2023, and through a back body campaign, donations had accumulated to 278,000 Rands to cover her 200,000 medical costs.

Number 10: Gloria Bosman

Gloria Bosman, a jazz singer, musician, composer, and teacher, died on the 14th of March 2023, from a respiratory illness. She got sick for a very short period from a respiratory-related illness and passed away just days after launching her new album, “Live.”

Number 11: Lungu

Lungu, a celebrity chef and television host, died on the 28th of February 2023, from a short illness. He was still receiving treatment at Santen Medic Clinic when he passed away. Lungu was known for several television shows, including the BBC lifestyle show “The Grace of African B” and “Flavor Queens.”

Number 12: James Alexander

James Alexander, professionally known as James Graie, an actor and producer, died on the 20th of April 2023, from cancer. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2019, but his wife decided to keep it private from his fans and followers. By 2023, when James died, it was revealed that the cancer had spread to his head and neck.

Number 13: Marisha BMA

Marisha BMA, known as the “Zulu Lady in White Skin” because of her fluent Zulu, passed away on the 29th of May 2023, from unknown causes. She was an actress and media personality who appeared in several dramas and commercial adverts using the Zulu language. Details concerning the cause of her death were never published, leaving South Africans wondering what could have happened to her.

Number 14: Uzi Mkhize

Uzi Mkhize, a political analyst, journalist, and broadcaster, died from an epileptic seizure on the 30th of May 2023. According to his close associates, Uzi never showed any signs of being sick, so his death came as a surprise. The late broadcaster was also into writing and criticized the ruling party, ANC, for failing to fix the issue of load shedding.

Number 15: Goo Matambo

Goo Matambo, professionally known as Go Matambo, and presenter of the Moja Love show “Fake Go,” passed away on the 22nd of November 2023, from a mild flu. The show “Fake Go” exposed fake sangomas, angering some of those it targeted. They sent him text messages warning him to stop exposing them, but as a brave young man, he continued. It is believed that the sangomas killed him because they were angry at him.

Number 16: Leang Piana

Leang Piana, an actress and social media personality, died on the 1st of November 2023, from an unknown short illness. She succumbed to a headache, but no information on what exactly led to her death was ever released. Leang rose to fame in 2021 after starring in the Mzansi Magic drama series “Deep City” as Kina.

These celebrity deaths have left a significant impact on South Africa, with fans and followers mourning the loss of their beloved stars. Each of these individuals had their unique journey and contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of Mzansi. As we remember them, we also celebrate their lives and the legacies they have left behind.

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