The year 2025 will be remembered as a deeply emotional chapter for South Africa’s arts and entertainment community. Across film, television, literature, radio, and music, the country said goodbye to remarkable figures whose work shaped culture, sparked conversations, and carried stories far beyond local borders. Their passing left a quiet ache—but also a powerful reminder of how much their voices mattered.
Among the most heartbreaking losses was **Presley Chweneyagae**, celebrated worldwide for his lead role in **Tsotsi**. He later became a household name on television through **The River** and its spin-off **Cobrizzi**, proving his range and emotional depth. His sudden death at 40 stunned fans who had watched him grow into one of the country’s most compelling performers.
The arts world also mourned **Rashid Lombard**, the visionary founder of the **Cape Town International Jazz Festival**. A photographer and cultural activist, he documented history while building platforms for African jazz to thrive. Jazz lovers were equally shaken by the passing of **Fezile “Feya” Faku**, whose gentle presence and masterful musicianship earned him a revered place in the genre.
Television and theatre lost pillars too. Veteran actor **Don Mlangeni Nawa** left behind decades of memorable performances, while **Wiseman Sithole** was fondly remembered for roles including the villain in **Shooting Stars**. In literature, the death of **Zoë Wicomb** closed a powerful chapter in South African letters; her work explored identity, memory, and life before and after apartheid with rare sensitivity.
Stage and screen also bid farewell to **Nandi Nyembe**, whose influence on generations of actors earned her the title of a true storyteller’s storyteller. The music and radio industries suffered further blows with the deaths of **Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock** and **Darren Scott**, both voices that had become part of everyday life for countless listeners.
Music fans also mourned **Winnie Khumalo**, who once sang alongside **Brenda Fassie** before carving out her own career, and **Junior King**, whose energetic dance videos and Afrikaans rap won a devoted following. The loss of **Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi** cut especially deep; her classical training and collaborations with artists like **Black Coffee** and **Sjava** had signalled a bright future. Kwaito pioneer **Doc Shebeleza** was also remembered for shaping a genre and a generation.
Comedy and community leadership felt the loss of **Oscar “Madluphuthu” Mgudlwa** and **Manqoba Ntombela**, the founder of **Woza Afrika**. The year closed with the passing of prolific actor **Jonathan Pienaar**, whose three-decade career left an indelible mark.
Though 2025 took much, it also reminded South Africa of the enduring power of art. These icons may be gone, but their work—on screens, stages, airwaves, and pages—continues to speak, comfort, and inspire.
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