Actor Wiseman Sithole dead at 51

by Thinus Ferreira

The South Africa actor Wiseman Sithole died on Sunday night two days after his 51st birthday.

The cause of his death is not yet known.

"It is with the greatest sadness that we share the shattering news of Wiseman Sithole's sudden passing," says ERM Stars, his agent, in a statement.

"We are honoured to have worked alongside this legend of an actor. He touched many lives as a friend, relative, and to his audience on screen. We will miss you so much Wiseman! We will release more details and arrangements upon instruction by his dear family."

Wiseman Sithole was born on 27 June 1974 and was a well-known stage actor, performing at arts festivals.

On television he was most famous for his Shooting Stars role in e.tv's drama series as a nefarious soccer agent.

 

Wiseman Sithole also had roles in SABC2's 90 Plein Street and Die Sentrum, and in Showmax's Catch me a Killer he was Mlungisi Gwala.

He also appeared in Jiva!, Mooiweer en Warm, kykNET's Projek Dina, Suidooster and Straat, as well as in the TV series S.I.E.S, Strike Back, M-Net's Summertide telenovela, Traffic! and SABC3's Charlie Jade.

Wiseman Sithole also had roles in films, ranging from Konfetti and Zulu to Cape of Good Hope, 2003's Eine Liebe in Afrika, to the bus driver in 2010's Master Harold and the boys.

Actor Mpho Sebeng dead at 31 after Potchefstroom car accident.

by Thinus Ferreira

Actor Mpho Sebeng died on Sunday morning after a car accident in Potchefstroom in South Africa's North West province. He was 31.

"The family of the South African entertainer, Mpho Sebeng, are saddened to confirm,to the public and media, that their son has indeed passed away," the family confirmed in a media statement on Sunday.

"Mpho met his untimely death in the early hours of Sunday 5 May 2024 due to a tragic car accident in Potchefstroom. Whilst the family appreciates the immense outpouring of love and condolences, the family requests some space to process the news," Oupa Morake, family spokesperson said.

"The details of his home-going celebrations will be communicated in due course and we request that you continue to hold the Sebeng family in prayer."

Born in Soweto on 1 December 1992, growing up in Witpoortjie, Randburg and studying politics and philosophy at the University of Witwatersrand, Mpho Sebeng became known for TV roles in series like Zero Tolerance, gang leader Slay in SABC1's Soul Buddyz, Justice for All, and M-Net's The Queen on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161). 

On e.tv he appeared in the drama series Z'bondiwe in 2015 and a year later in the e.tv telenovela Ring of Lies for which he got a Best actor nomination at the South African Film and Television Awards in 2018.

 Appearances in other e.tv's series included both its soaps Rhythm City and Scandal!. 

Appearances in other TV series included Bay of Plenty, Hush Money, Kokota, Saints and Sinners, The Throne, and M-Net's The Estate.   

In Netflix series he had roles in Savage Beauty, The Brave Ones and Miseducation.

In film Mpho Sebeng appeared in Mngani Wam', Thando, Man in Crisis, The Jakes are Missing, and 2011's Winnie Mandela.

In 2019 he tried to venture into rap music and released a debut hip-hop song, "Phuso Phala Anything".

The SABC in a statement said the public broadcaster "is saddened by the untimely passing of the actor Mpho Sebeng. His immense contribution to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten. The SABC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans".

The streaming service Netflix South Africa said "A life well lived. Rest in peace Mpho Sebeng".

Mark Pilgrim dead at 53 after losing battle with stage 4 lung cancer, fiancée Adrienne 'together for his last breath'.

by Thinus Ferreira

The well-known, veteran South African TV and radio presenter Mark Pilgrim died on Sunday morning after losing his battle with stage 4 lung cancer. He was 53.

Mark Pilgrim was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022. In June 2022 he revealed that it had spread to his femur, his spine and his lymphatic system. 

His latest cancer battle for which he was extremely open and public, detailing his multiple round of chemotherapy, treatments and the effects of it on his body, followed after he survived stage 3 testicular cancer in 1988 that had spread to his lungs and kidneys and which he survived.

In 2021 Mark Pilgrim detailed his fight against Covid-19. 

In September 2022 Mark Pilgrim was open about the setback when he suffered a collapsed lung.

Mark Pilgrim was also very open about the heart attack he had suffered in 2008 whilst in his doctor's office which saved his life but led to 10% permanent heart damage. The heart attack came during the filming and production of M-Net's Power of 10 game show of which he was the host.

"It is with great sadness that I share this news," Lloyd Madurai, HOT 102.7 FM managing director, said in a statement where Mark Pilgrim was a radio DJ.

"Our hero and brother and much-loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45."

"He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed peacefully with his fiancée Adrienne at home. They were together for his last breath."

"The family thank you for being part of his journey. For loving him and for celebrating him and supporting him always. Mark will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace."

Mark Pilgrim leaves behind his two daughters Tayla-Jean (12) and Alyssa (10) from his previous marriage with ex-wife Nicole Torres which lasted 13 years, and fiancée Adrienne Watkins.

Mark Pilgrim hosted numerous South African TV shows and radio programmes during his decades-long career and was a DJ at 5FM, 94.7, KFM, and HOT919, was a sought-after voice artists for radio and TV commercials, besides being a motivational speaker talking about cancer.

Mark Pilgrim was a well-known M-Net (DStv 101) presenter and hosted seasons of Big Brother South Africa from 2001, the first season of Big Brother Africa in 2003, the M-Net game show Power of 10, Retail Therapy, 2005's Sex Etc., as well as SABC2's Face 2 Face in 2004 and the magazine lifestyle show New Moves on e.tv.

Mark Pilgrim's autobiography, Beyond the Baldness was published in 2015.

The award-winning radio presenter was inducted into the South African Radio Awards Hall of Fame in 2021 for his contribution to the radio industry.

ALSO READ: Mark Pilgrim diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer: 'I'm not Chuck Norris. Yes, I'm scared. I am also strong'. 

South African rapper Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes (35) murdered in Durban drive-by double killing; 'we're awaiting further details from police,' parents say.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African rapper and songwriter Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was murdered in a Friday night Durban drive-by double killing along with friend Tebello "Tibz" Motsoane (34), while a bodyguard was wounded. 

Kiernan Forbes was 35. 

Kiernan Forbes leaves behind an 8-year-old daughter Kairo Owethu Forbes he had with musician DJ Zinhle in 2015 and was in a romantic relationship with rapper Nadia Nakai at the time of his murder. His former fiance Anele Tembe fell to her death from a hotel room in April 2021 in Cape Town and he dated Bonang Matheba Matheba between 2015 and 2017.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, says Kiernan "AKA" Forbes was shot and murdered along with another man in a drive-by shooting in Morningside along the coastal city's Florida Road on Friday night.

Robert "AKA" Forbes was killed while he was shot at by two drive-by vehicles at 22:00 sitting at a table at the Wish restaurant with friends who were all drinking before he was set to perform later that night at the YūGō nightclub. Their bodies were covered by table umbrellas and were removed at 02:00 on Saturday morning.

In a statement, his Kiernan Forbes' parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, say "It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son on the evening of 10 February 2023. We are awaiting further details from the Durban police". 

"To us, Kiernan Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo."

"To many he was AKA, Supamega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as a family to decide on the upcoming days."

"We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifting in the Lord."

Amanda Bani-Mapena, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for arts and culture, in a statement says the province has "learnt with shock and sadness of the fatal shooting of rapper Kiernan Forbes known as AKA late on Friday evening in Durban's bustling Florida Road precinct".

"We hope the law enforcement agencies will do their work in bringing the perpetrators to justice."

Sony Music in a statement, says "It is with profound sadness that Sony Music Entertainment Africa acknowledges the news of the untimely passing of the South African music icon and culture figure Kiernan "AKA" Forbes".

Sean Watson, Sony Music Entertainment Africa managing director, says "Our hearts are broken. We've lost not only an icon but someone who was dear to us as a member of the Sony family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones today."

"All of us at Sony Music convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family, friends, the Megacy and South Africa."

SABC1 in a statement says the TV channel and South African public broadcaster "is saddened by the untimely passing of award-winning musician Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, known professionally as AKA, who passed away on Friday".

M-Net said on Saturday that its Channel O (DStv 320) music channel on MultiChoice's DStv service would be playing musical song tributes of Kiernan Forbes' music throughout the day. 

Kiernan Forbes was the first season host of The Braai Show on SABC1. "SABC1 sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues". 

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was born and grew up in Cape Town. With two of his friends they formed a hip hop group Entity in 2002. 

He rose to fame in 2010 after his single "Victory Lap" from his debut album Altar Ego. He went on to release albums like Levels in 2014, Touch My Blood (2018), Be Careful What You Wish For in 2017 with Anatii, and Bhovamania (2020). His upcoming album, Mass Country, is set to be released later in February 2023.

In 2019 AKA was the roastee for Paramount's Comedy Central Roast TV special on Comedy Central (DStv 122) and he was nominated for Best International Act twice at the BET Awards.

TV and radio presenter Jeremy Mansfield dead at 59 after losing battle with liver cancer.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African radio and TV presenter Jeremy Mansfield died early on Monday morning after he had lost his battle with liver cancer. He was 59.

In a statement his former colleague Samantha Cowen confirmed his death, saying that he had died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends.

Jeremy Mansfield is survived by his wife Jacqui and daughter, Gabriella. His mother died on 15 August which was his 59th birthday.

In January Jeremy Mansfield announced that he was diagnosed with liver cancer and in August revealed that his diagnosis of stage four liver cancer was terminal. 

"This morning a light went out in the world. Jeremy Mansfield passed away just before dawn. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends and boundless love," Samantha Cowen said.

"Jeremy lived large, he didn't know how to do small. He loved hard, laughed loud and managed to combine mischief and mayhem with heart and soul. The city was brighter and lighter with him on the airwaves, he changed lives every day."

"When he wasn't raising millions for charity, he was raising fresh hell! Under a naughty exterior Jeremy had a huge soft heart. A lot of people got to see and hear that over the radio but he saved his vulnerability for a select few."

"He was determined that the world be a better and shinier and funnier place and he drove the road to that destination at 1000 miles an hour with no rearview mirror, all of the rest of us clinging on for dear life!

"We will miss him horribly. The family is devastated and is asking for privacy during this time. Right to the end we were reading him your messages and he was happy to hear them all, every single one. He knew he was loved and it mattered. He mattered. There will be a new star in the sky tonight. As he would have said, Good night Bunnies."

Mansfield is known for his years of work as a radio and TV presenter on SuperSport, Front Row, the host of A Word or 2 on SABC2, CNBC (DStv 410), voice-over and MC work, and is the author of humour and cookbooks. He was a presenter on 94.7's The Rude Awakening for 13 years between 1997 and 2010 and a few years ago started his own Mansfield2day YouTube channel.

Jeremy Mansfield battled and survived leukaemia 13 years ago.

Veteran actor Eric Nobbs dead at 68.

by Thinus Ferreira

The veteran Afrikaans actor Eric Nobbs died on Sunday afternoon in Cape Town. He was 68 and the cause of his death isn't known.

Eric Nobbs was busy filming on the third season of the Afrikaans comedy series Lui maar op, Belinda! on kykNET (DStv 144) produced by Homebrew Films in Cape Town.

He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Desré, with the couple who didn't have any children. On her Facebook page she wrote: "My soulmate is no more. The bottom fell out of my universe at 14:18. I picked these little roses and wanted to Whatsapp him, now it's too late."

Waldimar Pelser, M-Net director of kykNET channels, told TVwithThinus that "Eric was in Cape Town when he passed away and working on the third season of Lui Maar op, Belinda! at the time of his passing".

"His death is an enormous shock to everybody that knew and worked with him. Throughout his career he delivered remarkable performances and gave life to many characters on stage, in film and on television. Our thoughts are with his wife, family and colleagues."

Paul Venter, Homebrew Films producer, told TVwithThinus that "Eric, whose very recognisable deep voice is now silent, was an exceptional person and an incredible actor".

"He always greeted everyone with an endearing smile, which radiated a calmness. Last week, the Homebrew Films team again had the privilege of experiencing Eric's gentle nature and remarkable acting skills first-hand when filming began on Lui maar op, Belinda's third season."

"His sudden passing leaves a big void in our industry and we say a heavy farewell to him. Our deepest condolences to Eric's wife Desré and his loved ones at this difficult time."

Eric Nobbs is known for roles in multiple TV series, ranging from three seasons in the crime series Die Byl on kykNET and Showmax to two seasons of Lui maar op Belinda! and Geraldina die Tweede on kykNET, M-Net's Known Gods, and SABC2's Een Skoenlapper, Konings, and Gauteng-aleng. 

Other roles in TV and film include Kniediep in Warm Water and Vloeksteen, Boetie Gaan Border Toe, 1945, Sien Jy Nou, Ma-Plotters, Die Meester, Vlug an Egipte, Terug an Egipte, Hansie: A True Story, Thomas@, Black Velvet Band, the mini-series Rhodes, Kalahari Harry, Bopha!, the TV1-soap Glaskasteel, Die Prins van Pretoria, The Fourth Reich, Mooirivier, Windprints, Moordspeletjies, Die Losprys, Hoekie vir Eensames, Dirk Hoffman, Donderhoek, Kooperasiestories, Die Dood van Elmien Adler, As Ons Twee Eers Getroud Is, City Lovers, Die Kaktustuintjie and Moordenaarskaroo.

Eric Nobbs made his professional stage debut in the 1978 production of PACT's (Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal) Die Keiser of Bartho Smith, followed by Faan se Stasie, Pa Maak vir my 'n Vlieër Pa, The Road to Slagtersnek, A Streetcar named Desire and Huis op Horings.

Over the years Eric Nobbs also appeared on stage in Doppers and Filistyne which was his first one-man show, Donkerland, Die Skandaal, One Man's Life, Broekbrein, Tell Me the Truth, Sophia Mentz Beredder haar Boedel, as well as Leopards, Love Potions and Other Marico Tales.

TV presenter and actress Franci Swanepoel dead at 50.

by Thinus Ferreira

The prolific Afrikaans TV presenter, news reader, producer, director and actress Franci Swanepoel died in her sleep on Sunday morning. She was 50.

The cause of her death is not yet known.

Franci Swanepoel who was born in Johannesburg and matriculated at Linden high school in 1989, graduated with a drama degree from the University of Stellenbosch. 

Franci Swanepoel was busy portraying a latest role in an upcoming new drama series on M-Net's Afrikaans kykNET channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service and is known for her years as a continuity presenter on SABC2, roles in the Afrikaans soaps Binnelanders and Getroud met Rugby on kykNET, and as the presenter-producer of the festival magazine show Fiësta also on kykNET.

In a statement kykNET boss Waldimar Pelser told TVwithThinus that "Franci was busy filming a drama series for kykNET. She was a valued colleague and a dear friend to many and we are incredibly shocked and saddened over the news of her death".

Franci Swanepoel was the entertainment industry daughter of news anchor Nic Swanepoel who had passed away in 1998 and mother Marida Swanepoel who is one of the creators and producers of kykNET, and is survived by her husband Max Baer, mother, older brother Jan Adriaan and older sister Elsje.

Franci Swanepoel who lived in Auckland Park was one of the new crop of SABC2 continuity presenters in the mid-1990s when the South African public broadcaster relaunched its three SABC TV channels and the then-TV1 changed to SABC2. 

In 2003 she created the Makiti production company with Marius de Wall and produced the festival magazine show Fiësta for kykNET that is still on-air and for which she was a full-time presenter for many years and still did occasional inserts on an ongoing basis including into 2022.

On TV, Franci Swanepoel who had also directed and starred in several television commercials, had roles in numerous Afrikaans TV series on SABC2 and kykNET over decades ranging from Woestynblom and Vierspel to Pottie Potgieter, Hartland, Arsenaal, Iemand om lief te He, Die Vierde Kabinet, Bloedbroers, Sterlopers, Donkerland and Elke Skewe Pot. 

She was also the presenter of the travel magazine show Swerftyd on kykNET.

She made her South African TV debut in 1980 in Ntinzini Spa, followed by a role in 1983's Kooperasiestories as Gesie, while her two longest-running drama appearances were for characters like Toeks Joubert in kykNET's Afrikaans soaps Binnelanders as well as Getroud met Rugby. 

After existing her on-screen character she was also a dialogue coach for many years at Getroud met Rugby where she also directed over 50 episodes.

Her last dramatic TV show appearances were in an episode of the kykNET mockumentary series Hotel and in the anthology series Spoorloos 3, both in 2021, and she appeared in the made-for-TV movie Boetie Ontmoet 'n Alien on kykNET in July. 

Franci Swanepoel produced shows like 10 uit 10 and Jan se Karretjie for kykNET and the documentaries Ko lat ons Fees, Hanna se Krismis and Krismis in die Klein Karoo, and did extensive dubbing work for television while also doing voice work for numerous radio TV dramas since the age of five in 1976. 

She also appeared as one of the narrators in kykNET's documentary series about the history of South African television, Oppi Kassie.

In theatre Franci Swanepoel appeared on stage in Car Cemetary, P.M. Slet se Kabaret, Sneeuwitjie en die Sewe Dwergies, Women Behind Bars, Liewe Heksie, Ipekonders, Die Renoster, Die Vampier, Lappies die Lappiesmous, Pinnochio, Junkiedrome, 2002's Siener in die Suburbs, Staal Burger, Aantrekkingskrag, Janneman and 2012's Boksballade, and was on stage opposite Sandra Prinsloo in Soebatsfontein at Innibosfees in 2018.

In film, Franci Swanepoel had supporting and leading roles in 2012's Lien se Lankstaanskoene, Pad na Jou Hart, Lya se Karoo, the kykNET shortfilm Stom, Abraham, and Stroomop. 

In made-for-TV films she had roles in Hartstog, Boesman my Seun, Aantrekkingskrag, 2019's Die Dag is Bros, Fladder and 2021's Apokalips.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II dead at 96.

by Thinus Ferreira

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has died this afternoon at Balmoral Castle, 8 September 2022, bringing to a close her iconic and historic 70-year reign. She was 96.

Queen Elizabeth II was surrounded by her children and grand-children as she passed away.

Her son, Prince Charles, who will be known as King Charles III, succeeds her.

"The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," a statement said.

Queen Elizabeth II was the world's second-longest reigning monarch and in 2015 also became the longest-reigning British sovereign of all time.

British TV news channels like BBC News World and Sky News carried on DStv will have a lot of special programming, documentaries and rolling live coverage over the next few days and weeks, including her British Royal funeral which is expected to be watched live worldwide by millions of people.

BBC World News anchors and reporters already switched to wearing black on Thursday afternoon even before the official announcement was made, and will continue to wear black attire.

"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," Prince Charles III said in a statement from Buckingham Palace.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."

"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."

Queen Elizabeth II is survived by King Charles III and her other three children - Andrew, Anne and Edward, as well as her grandchildren including Prince William, who is now second in line to the throne, and Prince Harry, who lives in the United States but also flew back to the United Kingdom.

Her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip died in 2021 at 99.

A Titanic 10 dies: Film critic Barry Ronge dead at 74.

by Thinus Ferreira

The iconic and prolific South African film and arts critic and writer Barry Ronge, born Barry Johann Ronge, has died at 74 in Johannesburg.

Barry Ronge who retired in 2014 passed away on Sunday 3 July at home in the arms of his life partner Albertus Van Dyk but requested that his death only be officially announced a week after his passing. They have been a couple for the past 45 years.

The Buz Factor publicist Bridget Van Oerle told eNCA that Barry Ronge died from old age and natural causes and was with his life partner Albertus van Dyk and only wanted the news about his death to be announced a week after his death. 

"Albertus is obviously very, very sad. It's a huge loss. They were together for 45 years. They had an incredible relationship."

Barry Ronge was born in Hillbrow, Johannesburg and grew up on the West Rand where he attended the Florida Park High School. He completed his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand after which he began a teaching career at St. John's College, followed by a 10-year stint as a lecturer in literature at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Barry Ronge became the first male journalist reporting for the Women's Page of The Star newspaper in Johannesburg between 1980 to 1982 and was also the first editor of The Star's entertainment supplement, Star Tonight! 

As a food critic in the late 1980s, Barry Ronge, under the pseudonym of Ms Rebecca Parker, did restaurant and food reviews for the Sandton Living magazine and often got a lot of hate mail about it. 

Barry Ronge became iconic for his long-running Spit 'n Polish column published in the since-discontinued Sunday Times magazine (and which was published as a book in 2006) and his Sunday-night radio show on 702 from 1989 to 2004, on which Albertus was a producer.

Barry Ronge was a reporter for M-Net's (DStv 101) entertainment magazine shows like Front Row and did reviews for M-Net's Revue Plus, and later did stints fronting TV shows built specifically around him as a South African film critic.

It was on M-Net's (DStv 101) Cinemagic with Barry Ronge, and later SABC3's Screenplay, in which Ronge would grade films with alliterating numbers like a "Titanic 10" or a "Failing Four" which solidified Barry Ronge's place as South Africa's most well-known and feared film critic. He later also voiced the SABC2 arts and entertainment series Artcha since 2008.

In 2015 the Sunday Times renamed its prize for South African literature to the Barry Ronge Fiction Prize.

ALSO READ: SA film biz pays tribute to legendary film critic Barry Ronge: Made an immeasurable contribution to cinema appreciation culture.