Vinolia Mashegos’ family have confirmed the sad passing of the actress and presenter who died in her sleep at her home in Mamelodi on Saturday. She had not been ill at the time of her death.
According to Sowetan, Mashego’s father Collins and younger sister Prelley Seale said that they had found Vinolia’s lifeless body in her bed at her home in Mamelodi, Pretoria. No foul play is suspected and it is believed she died of natural causes in her sleep. She was 57 years old.
V-Mash, as she was affectionately known was a trailblazer in the ’80s and ’90s on South African television. Instantly recognisable everywhere she went by her over the top outfits and blonde hair, her captivating personality and quick wit made her hugely popular as a presenter on the show Jam Alley. She was also a well-respected actress and appeared on many a Sepedi SABC drama in the 1980s.
At the time of her passing she was a presenter on the Moja Love prank show Bheka Sikubambile. The SABC was one of the first to pay tribute to her saying, "The SABC has learnt with sadness of the passing of the renowned TV presenter and actress, Ms Vinolia Mashego. Our heartfelt condolences to the Mashego family".
There has been a slew of tributes by celebrities and media personalities. Tim Modise said of Mashego on Twitter: " Sad to hear the news about the vivacious V-Mash passing. Very much part of South Africa’s youth culture in the late 80s & 90s. Her legacy lives on in the energetic style of many TV presenters & entertainers today. Sympathies to the Mashego family #RIPVMash
Sad to hear the news about the vivacious V-Mash passing. Very much part of South Africa’s youth culture in the late 80s & 90s. Her legacy lives on in the energetic style of many TV presenters & entertainers today. Sympathies to the Mashego family #RIPVMash https://t.co/fSHLJHbtf7
— Tim Modise (@TimModise) April 6, 2020
Minister Nathi Mthethwa took to Facebook to say,” We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a pioneer of South African Television, Vinola Mashego popularly known as V-mash, who became a leader of popular culture in the '90s and will forever be remembered for breathing life into the soul of our nation. #RIPVMash
Vinolia will be laid to rest this Friday - #RIPMASH
