JOHANNESBURG, March 19 (ANA) –
Tributes to popular actor Joe Mafela, who died in a car crash in Johannesburg on Saturday night, continue to stream in.
President Jacob Zuma on Sunday expressed sadness and extended heartfelt condolences on the death of Joe “Sdumo” Mafela, 75.
“We have learned with sadness of the passing of one of the pioneers of the television comedy loved by all South Africans young and old. Mr Mafela, also affectionately known as Sdumo, was also a television producer and songwriter. The arts and culture industry has been robbed of a bigger than life figure. We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to [the] Mafela family and may his soul rest in peace,” Zuma said.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa expressed sadness at the death of a “great artist and a truly generous man Baba Joe Mafela”. The nation had lost an extraordinary son of the soil. He was multi-talented and multi-skilled, much loved and much revered.
“We salute his lifelong contribution to South African arts and culture. We convey our strength and heartfelt condolences to the Mafela family, to his friends, and numerous fans. Joe Mafela is a household name to all of us as he spent decades on the big and small screens acting out a countless number of roles which showed his versatility as an actor.
“His role as the character S’dumo in ‘Sgudi Snaysi’ remains in the consciousness and cultural imagination of the nation as a whole. But he was also a producer, a director, an advertising director, and a musician whose hit songs including ‘Shebeleza’ came to dominate the air waves,” Mthethwa said.
Born in Sibasa, Limpopo, and raised in Kliptown and Tshiawelo in Soweto, Johannesburg, he began his career in 1965 when he had his acting debut in the film “Real News” where he played an editor. In 1974 he starred in South Africa’s first black feature film “Udeliwe” which gained him a new following among moviegoers.
During the 1980s his television career blossomed with “Sgudi Snaysi”. He also became a creative director in the advertising industry and also focused on producing. He became a co-owner of Penguin Films. He began releasing highly successful musical albums. He won numerous awards including a Loerie award for his advertising work and best actor in comedy at the South African Film and Television Awards (Safta). He also received an Emmy nomination. In recent times he acted on “Generations: the Legacy”.
African National Congress spokesman Zizi Kodwa said Mafela was an “international acclaimed songwriter”. His title track “Shebeleza” was used as a theme song for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in which South Africa were crowned champions. He had been a pioneer and veteran in the entertainment industry, having received numerous awards including, but not limited to, the best actor in comedy at the South African film and television awards.
“As we mourn his passing, the African National Congress sends its sincere condolences to the Mafela family. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to his colleagues in the industry and all South Africans at large. May his soul rest in peace,” Kodwa said.
National Freedom Party leader Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi said Mafela was a “veteran of the craft and the greatest comedian ever produced”.
“I hope our young actors have learnt something or two from him. On behalf of the National Freedom Party, the country, and the continent, I send my deepest condolences to his family and the entire acting community. We have lost the greatest. May his soul rest in peace,” said KaMagwaza-Msibi.
Democratic Alliance national spokesperson Refiloe Nt’seke also extend deepest condolences to Mafela’s family and loved ones.
“A constant feature during our childhoods, through his work in television, theatre, film, and music, Joe has made us cry, made us laugh, and he made us think. He was a celebrated entertainer, who was awarded the Theatre Management of South Africa Lifetime Achievement Award at the Naledi Theatre Awards and became the first black person to be awarded with a Grand Prix at the Loerie Awards,” Nt’seke said.
Parliament was saddened and shocked by Mafela’s death, parliamentary spokesman Moloto Mothapo said.
Mafela was among the most outstanding actors whose talent was a source of inspiration and source of pride to generations of South Africans. His death was a devastating loss to the arts industry and the nation as a whole.
“Parliament extends its sincere sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends of this great South African,” Mothapo said.
The SABC also expressed sadness at Mafela’s death. “Mr Mafela was a giant in his field and had become a voice and face of the industry. The SABC sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, viewers, and fans who have followed his esteemed career in TV, stage, and film over the past 40 years,” spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said.
ANC Women’s League secretary general Meokgo Matuba said Mafela would be remembered as a “pioneer of transformation and a legendary that was involved in various arts activities that created a platform for many black artists to be recognised in the arts industry”.
South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) spokesman Jabu Mahlangu said Mafela’s death was a “monumental loss for the country and the entertainment industry”.
“We owe it to the memory of this selfless and humble doyen of the arts and culture to intensify road safety efforts to reduce the carnage on our public roads,” Mahlangu said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
