Emzini Wezinsizwa actor Washington Sixolo dies at 83 - report

Veteran actor Washington Sixolo died on Sunday after being rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg.

According to Sowetan Washington, who played the role of Jwara in Emzini Wezinsizwa, had apparently been struggling with multiple illnesses for some time.

His daughter told the publication that her father became seriously ill on Saturday and had to be rushed to hospital, where he died the next morning.

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President of the Creative Cultural Industries of South Africa, Tony Kgoroge told TshisaLIVE that he was saddened by the news of Washington's death.

"It is sad to hear of the passing of legends of our industry. His legacy is large and we will fight to keep it alive. We can learn a lot from him. As an actor, I looked up to the veterans and were enthralled by their stories," Tony said.

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Tony said that the battle was now to make sure that Washington's family was looked after.

"We need to fight to make sure that actors do not die as paupers. We need to protect their legacy through royalty payments to sustain them and their families, " he added.

A memorial service for Washington will be held at the Uncle Tom's Hall in Orlando, Soweto on Thursday.

Funeral details will be announced later this week.