The legendary and highly-respected writer-producer-director had a career in South Africa's TV and film industry spanning close to 60 years.
Her legacy stretches beyond the numerous, hugely popular TV shows she created to the vast number of people working in the local entertainment industry today who got a foot in the door and mentorship when they started out, thanks to her.
Not only did Thandi Brewer launch many careers in scriptwriting and directing behind-the-scenes as well as acting in front of the cameras in South Africa, but she also started and was the founder and first chairperson of the influential and growing Writer's Guild of South Africa (WGSA) looking out for writers' interests within the industry.
Beyond TV and film she was also a writer and director of numerous stage productions over many years.
In 2018 on Facebook Thandi Brewer wrote: "I am in the midst of the third round with cancer.".
"The breast cancer metamorphosed into bone cancer attacking the back. Remember the back pain I used to moan about? That wasn’t just 'writers back'. It was cancer which obviously loves me and wants to live with me on a permanent basis. I’ve no idea how those actresses manage to look palely interesting when playing someone with cancer because I look like hell."
The Friends of Thandi Brewer (FTB) Facebook group shared on Wednesday that Thandi Brewer died "at home on her beloved Smoke, with her daughter by her side, her river and her dogs - all she wanted. Thank you so very much to all of you who supported Thandi in her journey with her illness".
Harriet Meier, chairperson of the WGSA, told TVwithThinus on Monday that Thandi Brewer "passed away this morning at around 02:15 after a long battle with cancer. She was in tremendous pain over the last year, but fought and was our pillar of strength until the end".
"Thandi touched so many lives during her time with us, not only as an extremely talented writer, producer, director, teacher and mentor, but also as a friend. Her love embraced all who met her, and she will be greatly missed by many, many people."
"She was the founding member of the Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA) and of The Pack, the first writers' cooperative in South Africa."
"While we desperately miss her, we will also celebrate her life and legacy by continuing her work and her vision. Thandi leaves behind her daughter Cody and an extended family of wordsmiths throughout the world."
Harriet Meier, chairperson of the WGSA, told TVwithThinus on Monday that Thandi Brewer "passed away this morning at around 02:15 after a long battle with cancer. She was in tremendous pain over the last year, but fought and was our pillar of strength until the end".
"Thandi touched so many lives during her time with us, not only as an extremely talented writer, producer, director, teacher and mentor, but also as a friend. Her love embraced all who met her, and she will be greatly missed by many, many people."
"She was the founding member of the Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA) and of The Pack, the first writers' cooperative in South Africa."
"While we desperately miss her, we will also celebrate her life and legacy by continuing her work and her vision. Thandi leaves behind her daughter Cody and an extended family of wordsmiths throughout the world."
Thandi Brewer who finally lost her latest battle against cancer was responsible for the film screenplays of movies like Story of an African Farm with Richard E. Grant, De Gerrie for Hugh Masakela and The Chemo Club which marked her directorial debut.
Some of the shows she created for the SABC or steered as showrunner range from Dynamite Diepkloof Dudes, 37 Honey Street, End Game, Keeping Score to Usindiso, Sticks and Stones and many more, to Bahati Close the first series produced by M-Net for East Africa where she was the headwriter and trained Kenyan and Uganda writers.
As a script editor she wrote and improved text from shows from SABC1, SABC2, to e.tv and M-Net ranging from Society, Tiger, Love Mzansi Style, Borderliners, Hillside, Glory Boys and many more and worked on scripts for international films and more than 24 documentaries.
In March the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) honoured her at the 13th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) with a special industry achievement award.
The outpouring on Wednesday following news of Thandi Brewer's death was swift with Thabang Moleya, co-founder of Seriti Films and director of the film Happiness in a Four Letter Word, saying "A true leader and a legend. Thandi Brewer. Rest in power".
"Thandi was a writer/producer of the political drama series I directed called End Game. She wasn't afraid to write and push the story into narratives that would upset people. There was an episode the TV channel refused to air but she fought and wasn't about to listen to anybody, not even the channel that commissioned the project".
"She was someone who would believe in you and challenge you to push yourself. I salute her and the impact she has had on the industry and the people whose lives she touched."
Makhosazana Khanyile, CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in a statement says "Thandi has played a monumental role in shaping the industry with her work, breaking viewer records and creating much-needed conversation on social issues faced by South Africans on a regular basis".
"In giving back to the industry, she used her talents and expertise to empower emerging and experienced scriptwriters and producers through various NFVF initiatives."
"The NFVF is honoured to have recognised her role at the 13th Saftas where she was awarded a Special Recognition Industry Contribution Award."
"We will forever be grateful for her efforts in passing on her knowledge and paving the way for the youth and practitioners in the film and television industry. We grieve with her family, friends and industry colleagues and hope you all find comfort in this trying time."
Makhosazana Khanyile, CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), in a statement says "Thandi has played a monumental role in shaping the industry with her work, breaking viewer records and creating much-needed conversation on social issues faced by South Africans on a regular basis".
"In giving back to the industry, she used her talents and expertise to empower emerging and experienced scriptwriters and producers through various NFVF initiatives."
"The NFVF is honoured to have recognised her role at the 13th Saftas where she was awarded a Special Recognition Industry Contribution Award."
"We will forever be grateful for her efforts in passing on her knowledge and paving the way for the youth and practitioners in the film and television industry. We grieve with her family, friends and industry colleagues and hope you all find comfort in this trying time."
