South African celebrities who sadly passed away in 2024

JOHANNESBURG - In 2024, South Africans lamented the passing of several well-known figures who had left a lasting impression and built a name for themselves.

These notable local leaders, who ranged from preachers to well-known politicians and award-winning artists, were lost in 2024.

Pravin Gordhan

Pravin Gordhan served as a minister during the state capture years. But he will also be remembered for being among those who pushed back against its architects.

Gordhan passed away at the age of 75 after being hospitalised following a short battle with cancer. A pharmacist by profession, in the political arena, he Gordhan was best known for leading key finance-related portfolios in government, starting at the tax office.

Dingaan Thobela

Dingaan Thobela was found dead at the age of 57 after suffering ill health. Known as the 'Rose of Soweto', he boxed professionally for 16 years from 1990 and claimed three world titles in two weight divisions.

Thobela won the World Boxing Organization lightweight title in 1990, the World Boxing Association lightweight crown three years later, and the World Boxing Council super-middleweight title in 2000.

Mpho Sebeng

Savage Beauty actor, Mpho Sebeng, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Potchefstroom. Thirty-one-year-old Sebeng featured on several local shows and films and was best known for his work on Ring of Lies. He also starred in Winnie, the 2017 film based on former first lady, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s life.

Connie Chiume

Veteran actress, Connie Chiume, passed away in hospital at the age of 72. Born in Welkom in 1952, the multi-award-winning actress starred in several local TV shows including Rhythm City, Zone 14 and most recently, Gomora. 

Chiume was also a motivational speaker, qualified teacher, and chairperson for the Centre of Africa.

Thabiso Sikwane

Renowned South African radio and TV personality, Thabiso Sikwane, died in hospital after falling ill just hours before celebrating her 50th birthday. Having lived her life as a broadcaster and entrepreneur, those close to her described her as an all-rounder who always knew how to express herself. 

Tito Mboweni

Former Finance Minister Tito Mboweni died at the age of 65 at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following a short illness.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that Mboweni's shock passing was a "great loss".

“Given his sense of vitality and energetic and affable engagement with fellow South Africans, Dr Mboweni’s passing at 65 comes as a shock."

Jessica Mbangeni

Renowned poet, Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni, died in the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg. Mbangeni was described as a beacon of hope, and an unstoppable force of artistic expression.

The 47-year-old Mbangeni rose to prominence after joining the Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002. She also featured on Vusi Nova's hit song, As'phelelanga.

Zanele Mbokazi

Ukhozi FM presenter and founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, lost her battle with lung cancer at 52 years old after being diagnosed in May.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Mbokazi-Nkambule had lung cancer. After the news of her diagnosis was made public, Mbokazi-Nkambule described it as the "toughest moment of [her] life" in a post on social media.

Malome Vector

Lesotho-born rapper, Malome Vector, died in a car accident. Three people were killed in the accident, which saw the artist's vehicle collide with a truck on the N1 near the Koppies turn-off.

Vector, whose real name is Bokang Moleli, is survived by his wife and daughter as well as his mother, father and four siblings.

Pastor Ray McCauley

Rhema Bible Church Pastor Ray McCauley passed away at the age of 75.

On his passing, President Ramaphosa said: “Pastor Ray’s passing leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader whose impressive legacy lives on in the faith of hundreds of thousands of believers within and beyond the Rhema community.

Darlington "Papa G" Michaels

Johannesburg-based actor Darlington Michaels died at the age of 54 following his admission to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital with breathing problems.

Since 1998, Michaels portrayed the role of a flamboyant gangster Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela in the cancelled SABC3 soap opera. He also appeared in Netflix’s popular comedy drama, How to Ruin Christmas: The Funeral.

Siphiwe Sibisi 

Kwaito musician Siphiwe Sibisi, known as "General GTZ", died at the age of 48. Sibisi was part of the group Chiskop, together with kwaito legend, Mduduzi ''Mandoza' Tshabalala and Sibusiso "SB-Bless" Thanjekwayo.

Mapaputsi

Renowned Kwaito artist and producer, Sandile ‘Mapaputsi’ Ngwenya, died at the age of 45 after battling an illness in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital. The acclaimed Kwaito artist gained prominence in 2001 with the release of his album Izinja, which featured in the soundtrack of Grammy Award-winning movie, Tsotsi.

Solly Moholo

Veteran gospel artist Solly Moholo died at the age of 65.

The Ke latlhile bokinza hitmaker was hospitalised in September after falling ill while on tour in Botswana. Shortly after his hospitalisation, Moholo's family announced he needed over half a million rand to undergo brain surgery.