Tributes have poured in on social media following the news of the death of South African actor Sandy Mokwena, aged 68.
The veteran actor who was the longest standing cast member on e.tv’s popular soapie Scandal! died from natural causes in hospital on Wednesday night, one day after South Africa was rocked by the loss legendary musician Hugh Masekela.
The veteran trumpeter died on Tuesday after losing a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was 78.
In a statement, e.tv’s publicist Michael Pocock said they all deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
“e.tv is deeply saddened by the news and our condolences go out to Sandy’s family and the cast and crew of Scandal! Sandy Mokwena has been part of Scandal! since the first episode which aired in January 2005.”
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa also took to social media to pay tribute to Mokwena.
He wrote: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends & colleagues of veteran actor Sandy Mokwena who has sadly passed on. As early as 1972 he embarked on a world tour with the cast of the musical “Ipi Tombi”. He later played roles in Scandal, Generations, Soul City & Yizo Yizo”.
Former Scandal! co-star, Dineo Moeketsi, also took to social media to reminisce about working with Mokwena, as she ‘struggles’ to come to terms with the news of his passing. She wrote: “My time at Scandal was made beautiful by Ntate Sandy Mokwena. He didn’t want me to cry on my last day there and said we’d meet again. O ntaetse sentle and were so encouraging of my move. Until we meet again Papa. Struggling to take it in.(sic)
