28-05-2025
Comedian Thato Mabelane dies
Comedian Thato Mabelane has died.
Thato's friend Dr Estelle Wiid confirmed the news to TshisaLIVE, revealing she succumbed to cancer in the early hours on Monday. Estelle said the comedian was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago but it metastasized to the brain.
A memorial ceremony in her honour is set to take place on June 1 at Chapmans Peak second viewing point in Cape Town from 2pm.
Thato was a comedian, HR specialist and champion rower.
In 2015, Thato became the first African woman to row across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to northwestern Africa in a purpose-built ocean rowing boat called Avalon in 43 days.
Thato competed in the World Masters Regatta in Gauteng last month, winning two gold medals and a silver.
She was well-known in the comedy industry and respected by her colleagues.
Thato staged a one-woman comedy act, 3rd Generation Coconut, at the 2022 National Arts Festival.
