From musicians and actors to sports stars, chefs, media personalities and activists, the South African entertainment industry bid farewell to several big names this year.
Here's a look at some of the celebrities who died in 2023:
AKA & Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane
Rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his lifelong friend and celebrity author Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane were shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10. Their murder is under investigation.
Gone but not forgotten: Celebs who died in 2023
Image: Via Instagram/ Veli Nhlapo
From musicians and actors to sports stars, chefs, media personalities and activists, the South African entertainment industry bid farewell to several big names this year.
Here's a look at some of the celebrities who died in 2023:
AKA & Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane
Rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and his lifelong friend and celebrity author Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane were shot dead outside a restaurant in Durban on February 10. Their murder is under investigation.
Nadia Nakai on 'healing' and recording a tribute album for AKA
Zoleka Mandela
Author and activist Zoleka Mandela died aged 43 on September 25 surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with cancer.
'Not a day goes by without feeling the void' – Zoleka Mandela's family on keeping her legacy alive
Costa Titch
Rapper Costa Titch collapsed and died while performing at the Ultra Music Festival in Johannesburg on March 11. He was 28 years old.
'You all have a special place in my heart' — Costa Titch's mother thanks Nigerian fans for support
Lebohang Mpyana
Actress Lebohang “Lettie” Mpyana died on November 8. A statement shared by her family on her timeline revealed she died after a short illness.
'The industry is robbed' — tributes pour in for actress Lebohang Mpyana
Mbongeni Ngema
Veteran playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema succumbed to his injuries sustained in a road accident involving a truck on December 27 on the R61.
Final curtain call for Mbongeni Ngema as SA theatre stars pay tribute
Zahara
Award-winning singer Zahara died on December 11. A report by Zimoja quoted sources saying the 36-year-old singer died of liver complications a few after being admitted to hospital.
LISTEN | ‘Rest, I’ll take care of your family,' Vusi Nova says in tribute to Zahara
Eusebius McKaiser
Celebrated analyst, broadcaster and author Eusebius McKaiser died on May 30 after suffering a suspected epileptic seizure, his manager Jackie Strydom told TimesLIVE.
‘I’ll continue doing right by you,’ vows Eusebius McKaiser’s partner in moving tribute
DJ Mulo
Radio personality Cliff Nhlamulo Hlungwami, popularly known as DJ Mulo, died on December 16 after battling cancer. A statement shared on his social platforms confirmed the news.
'You fought valiantly' — Tributes pour in for DJ Mulo
Gloria Bosman
Jazz singer Gloria Bosman died on March 14. The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) confirmed the news to TshisaLIVE.
‘Thank you for sharing your gift’ — Tributes pour in for Gloria Bosman
Derek Watts
Veteran TV host and journalist Derek Watts died at 74 on August 22 after a battle with cancer.
Curtain closes for veteran broadcaster Derek Watts
George Chigova
Former SuperSport United goalkeeper George Chigova died on November 15.
Heartbreak as 'gentle giant' and former SuperSport goalkeeper George Chigova dies
Chef Bhengu
Celebrity chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko died at Sandton Mediclinic on February 28 after a short illness.
Chef Lentswe's life celebrated on his heavenly birthday
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