South Africa loses legend Joe Mafela

South Africa lost an acting and music superstar, Joe Mafela, whose ineffable talent made him the darling of the country. Mafela, one of South Africa’s preeminent entertainment legends died in a road accident on the 18th of March.

Mafela who was often regarded as ‘the face of South African entertainment,’ became a household name after some of his songs took over the airwaves. His song, Shebelesa (Okongo Mame)  became a theme song for the African Cup of Nations in 1996.

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The legendary Mafela was described as multi-talented, and he could speak 11 South African languages. The veteran actor, who died at age 75, began acting at 22. In 1986, he was cast as S’dumo in the Zulu language comedy series ‘Sgudi ‘Snyasi that ran for 78 episodes on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). His role in the popular show led to other roles in numerous series, and also encouraged Mafela to go into the advertising industry. Mafela’s career spun over 50 years.

Mafela whose Chicken Licken television commercials were popular in the 80s and 90s in South Africa was credited for writing the jingle “It’s good, good, good, it’s good, it’s nice.”

The commercial is said to have made South Africans fall in love with Chicken Licken.

Despite being a pioneer in the entertainment industry, Mafela, according to veteran actress Lillian Dube, were never invited for the South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAS). Lillian Dube told Times Live that she and Mafela had discussed about the industry and how they were marginalised and not being given enough respect for what they had achieved. She said, “we need to be honoured while we are alive.” Mafela had just come back from a cruise with his wife and wasn’t present for the SAFTAS because he wasn’t invited.

There is an on-going homicide investigation in relation to the accident after Mafela’s car, a Ford Figo collided with an Izuzu van on M1 North in Johannesburg.

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The whole of South Africa is in mourning, and messages of condolences from political parties to fellow actors are being shared. His death has come as a shock to his family, and the industry. Condolences messages continue to be posted on social media.

Sad news hearing about the passing of South African film and television legend #JoeMafela aka "Sdumo"

May his soul Rest In Peace 🕊🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/12YPl24he4

— Karabo Mokgoko 🦄🌞 (@Karabo_Mokgoko) March 19, 2017

We would like to extend our deepest condolences on the death of legendary actor Joe Mafela. Ulale ngoxolo tata.. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/Imv56G4ZKP

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) March 19, 2017

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Lillian Dube: The industry celebrates 'short skirts and g-strings' and not legends like Joe Mafela https://t.co/TJqzbkYL3y 💔 💔 💔 pic.twitter.com/eSxalnjKq1

— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) March 20, 2017

May your soul Rest In Peace baba.. you made our childhood great siyabonga kuwe nomndeni wakho.. LALA NGOXOLO #JoeMafela

— zandi sthandwa (@ZandiSthandwa) March 20, 2017

@sombali Nathi ngibawa siphume ngoSfiso Ncwane Ngipholise,iSA yonke nomndeni asiphole sibonga ongaphuzulu ukuba nobab' Joe Mafela GoodNight

— RALIFUKA (@zodwaemmah3) March 20, 2017

#JoeMafelaTribute @SABCPortal needs to pay for Joe Mafela's funeral for the contribution he made to them during his TV life. #RIPJoeMafela

— K.e.a.m.o.g.e.c.o.e (@Keamogecoe__M) March 20, 2017

My mom is so heartbroken about the passing of Ta #JoeMafela. She's like he was a member of the family…"besim'jwayele kanjani"…😢

— Sbu Mpungose (@SbuMpungose) March 20, 2017

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