by Thinus Ferreira
The veteran actor Mary Twala has died at the age of 80 with her son, the choreographer, reality TV star and Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo who said "Lala Ma".
Mary Twala had been admitted at Netcare’s Park Lane hospital in Johannesburg for several days with an undisclosed illness where she died on Saturday morning.
On Instagram on Saturday Somizi Mhlongo wrote: "Today's my late father's birthday and my mom decided to respond to his call to join him in heaven. The tree has fallen."
"I'm shattered to the core but I'd be very selfish if I don't release her. My mom lived to the fullest, achieved beyond her dreams. It hurts like hell, I won't lie. A day without her calling to either say I love you or give me money."
"Thank you South Africa for loving the phenomenal superstar that is my mother. She left us peacefully around 11:00 at Parklane private hospital as I was on my way to drop off her gown and a few minutes earlier the doctor called to say, 'Come she's up and jolly now'. I arrived a few minutes late. Lala Ma".
Born in Soweto on 14 September 1939, Mary Twala who was married to actor Ndaba Mhlongo until his death, had roles in many South African films, TV series and theatre in a career spanning over 6 decades, including a guest role during the first season of SABC1's Generations.
In 2007 Mary Twala appeared in the local supernatural miniseries Ubizo: The Calling on SABC1 and in 2009 she played Ma Dolly in a supporting role in the SABC2 miniseries Hopeville for which she was nominated at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards in the category of Best Supporting Actress.
In 2010 she starred as MaKhumanule in the SABC2 sitcom Skwizas and in 2015 won the award for Best actress in a TV comedy at the SAFTAs.
In 2015 she appeared in the film Vaya and in 2016 in the film Comatose. In 2017 she appeared in the film Beyond the River.
Other films include Life, Above All, Beat the Drum, Leading Lady, Ghost Son, Mapantsula, Sarafina, State of Violence, A Love in Africa, Malunde, Dr Lucille, Nyaka-Nyaka, Ngaka, Deliwe, Friends, Game for Vultures, Taxi to Soweto (for which she won a Best Supporting Actress award), Waati, Science Classic and Score.
On television Mary Twala also appeared in series like Undenzani Melwane, Iqhawe, Die SonKriel, Hlala Kwabafileyo, Soul Buddyz, Child Of Soweto, Khululeka, Yizo-Yizo, SOS and SABC2's Muvhango.
She also had TV roles in Ambitions, Hard Copy, Home Affairs, iNkaba, Roots, Scandal!, Sokhulu & Partners, Stokvel, The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Zero Tolerance and Zone 14.
For her performances in Hlala Kwabafileyo and Molo Fish she won awards.
In 2019 Mary Twala received the Order of Ikhamanga for her contribution to the performing arts in South Africa.
South Africa's department of sport, arts and culture in a statement on Saturday evening said that Mary Twala "will best be remembered for her excellent contribution to the performing arts and for creatively raising awareness of women’s health issues through storytelling".
"Her sense of humour and humility on and off stage have endeared her to the nation at large."
"Mary Twala was an icon who left a gigantic footprint in the arts industry as well as on the hearts of the millions of South Africans who loved her. She lived a full life. May her soul rest in peace and may her son, her granddaughter, her family and friends be comforted in this time. Take a bow, Ma’Twala."
