Former ‘Generations’ star Fana Mokoena on Shaleen Surtie-Richards’ death: ‘You were my rock every time I worked with you’

08 June 2021 - 18:00 By unathi nkanjeni
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Former 'Generations' star Fana Mokoena paid tribute to Shaleen Surtie-Richards. File photo.
Former 'Generations' star Fana Mokoena paid tribute to Shaleen Surtie-Richards. File photo.
Image: LUCKY MORAJANE

Former Generations star Fana Mokoena has paid tribute to Shaleen Surtie-Richards. 

The veteran and much-loved actress died on Monday at the age of 66. 

She was found dead in the guest house in Cape Town where she was staying during the filming of the TV series Arendsvlei

Fana, who was left heartbroken, said Shaleen’s death was a “true loss”.

“Rest in peace Shaleen Surtie-Richards. Kind-hearted, bubbly and honest. You were my rock every time I worked with you,” he said. 

“I only have fond memories of you. True loss. God bless you, my sister. Salute.”

Among the many roles she played on TV, Shaleen was most famous as “Mattie” on the SABC1 soapie Generations

Minister of arts and culture Nathi Mthethwa described Shaleen as an actress who invested her heart and soul into every character she portrayed. 

“Her warmth and sense of humour were infectious and her talent won her international recognition. We will remember her with great fondness for her iconic roles in hit films such as Fiela se KindMama JackTreurgrond and Vaselinetjie. Most recently, she starred in the kykNET series Arendsvlei. She turned every role she touched into an audiovisual masterpiece,” he said. 

On Monday, Shaleen’s family criticised rumours claiming that the actress committed suicide. 

In a statement sent to TshisaLIVE, the Surtie family offered information about what may have caused her death, saying she suffered from diabetes and heart problems. 

The family said while this was not confirmed as the official cause of death, they were awaiting information from the autopsy.

“It is common knowledge she suffered from diabetes and heart problems. Her death might be related to this but the family awaits an autopsy as to the cause of death. All kinds of rumours are flying around as to the cause of death, which is why would like to emphasise that Ms Surtie-Richards did not commit suicide.” 


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now