In 2021, Mzansi was unfortunate enough to lose some of its iconic Zalebs. And while they are no longer on this earth, they will forever be remembered for the different ways they all impacted our lives.
So even as the year draws to a close, we cannot fail to remember them. Below is a list of the most shocking deaths of 2021.
Shona Ferguson
At the top of the list is ingenious actor and film producer Shona Ferguson. Uncle Sho, as he was commonly known, died on the 30th of July from COVID complications. On the 4th of August, he was laid to rest and Mzansi had the chance to stream his funeral service online.
View this post on Instagram
Shona was a husband to Connie Ferguson and father to Alicia Ferguson and Lesedi Matsunyane. His death was no doubt a huge hit to the film industry where he had made notable achievements.
Up until now, Shona continues to receive awards even after his death as a means to honour him for the great man he was.
Naledi Willers
It was not that long ago that South Africa woke up to the shocking news of actress Naledi Willers’ death.
View this post on Instagram
The Real Housewives Of Johannesburg actress had been battling breast cancer for quite a while and the news of her death left an open wound in the lives of not only her family but her friends and fellow industry mates.
Killer Kau and Mpura
Amapiano artists Killer Kau and Mpura lost their lives on the 9th of August, following a deadly car crash that took place while they were on their way to a performance in Rustenburg.
View this post on Instagram
Taking to social media, fans, friends and industry mates echoed their sadness and grief at the news by sending their love and condolences to their families.
Mpura and Killer Kau, two South African Amapiano stars, died in a deadly automobile accident on their way to a performance in Rustenburg on August 9, 2021, along with a third person.
Tsepo Tshola
Tshepo was well-known for his baritone voice and jazz tunes. On July 15th, 2021, Tshepo Tshola, was defeated by COVID-19.
At only 68, his death left an unreplaceable mark in the music industry and he will forever be remembered for his great works like “Stop The War”, that continues to sing in the hearts of many across the region.
View this post on Instagram
He was considered a legend by many and on July 30 he was laid to rest at the Heroes Acre.
DJ Mzwandile Nzimande
DJ Wandi, passed away at the age of 44 at Olivedale Clinic in Johannesburg. He tested positive for COVID-19, and he died at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021.
[A LEGEND HAS FALLEN] Today the Nzimande family confirmed the passing of legend, and our friend, Mzwandile Nzimande, you might know better as DJ 1D. RIP DJ 1D https://t.co/yeQOuoe0e8 pic.twitter.com/KIs8NSgD4M
— Reclaim Summer on Kaya 959 ☀️ (@KayaON959) January 13, 2021
He left behind his wife Hlapo and two daughters.
Luzuko Nteleko
Luzuko Ntelelko was one of the actors from South Africa who died in June 2021. Losing him was a major blow for male actors in the film industry who anticipated he would represent South Africa internationally.
View this post on Instagram
Unfortunately, Nteleko’s family announced that he died of stage four brain cancer.
Steve Kekana
Steve Kekana, was a well-known singer-songwriter who made a name for himself in the 1980s.
Rest in Power to the legendary Steve Kekana your music touched the world, your spirit will live on in the lyrics that we hear in your song pic.twitter.com/V1dw503v3l
— Simphiwe Ntshingila (@djshluthu99) July 1, 2021
He went blind at a young age and has always charmed his fans with his talent despite his handicap. On July 1, 2021, Steve Kekana was unable to beat COVID-19 and unfortunately died from the virus.
Noxolo Maqashalala
Noxolo was well-known for her roles in soap operas and was a fan favorite. She died of natural causes, according to the autopsy.
View this post on Instagram
Police discovered her dead body in her flat at Honeydew. She was later laid to rest in KwaBhaca, Eastern Cape.
Menzi Ngubane
For decades, actor Ngubane was one of South Africa’s most well-known actors. He was well known for his outstanding roles on soapies like Generations and Isibaya.
View this post on Instagram
The actor, who died in March 2021, had been battling kidney failure and issues of diabetes for a long time before his passing. After getting surgery in 2014 for his kidney failure diagnosis, he passed on due to a stroke at only 56 and left behind his wife and 2 daughters.
Kabelo Molopyane
DJ KB Molopyane, a radio host at Motsweding FM died on Sunday morning, January 17th at the age of 46.
THE SABC MOURNS THE PASSING OF MR KABELO ‘KB’ MOLOPYANE#RIPKBMolopyane pic.twitter.com/vHkzcDiTCj
— SABC (@SABCPortal) January 17, 2021
Kabelo was a performer by nature who was comfortable in his skin communicating to his fans in the Setswana language.
He began his work Motsweding FM in the year 2002 and won over the public as a favorite host for 19 years.
Anele “Nelli” Tembe
Another death that left many in Mzansi in shock, was the untimely passing of AKA’s fiancee, Nelli Tembe who was reported to have jumped to her death.
View this post on Instagram
The death of the 22 year old was ruled as a suicide but the case was later reopended following allegations that AKA had a history of allegedly, being abusive.
May they continue resting in peace.