Latest news with #Safta
News24
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Legendary radio and TV actor Meme Ditshego dies aged 60
Award-winning actor Meme Ditshego has died. She died on Wednesday after a short illness, her management said. Details surrounding Ditshego's memorial and funeral service details will be communicated once available. South African Film and Television (Safta) award-winning radio and TV actor Meme Ditshego has died. She was 60. Ditshego's talent management agency, Eye Media Artists, confirmed her death in a press statement on Thursday afternoon. 'It is with deep sorrow and reverence that we announce the passing of Meme Ditshego – a beloved South African actress, legendary comedic talent and a true veteran of our screen and stage,' the statement read. 'Meme passed away on the evening of 25 June 2025, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades and generations. She was a pioneer of performance – a woman whose vibrant spirit, sharp wit and undeniable presence brought life to every role she played.' Speaking to News24, Ditshego's talent agent, Thabang Israel, said the veteran actor died after a short illness at an undisclosed hospital. According to him, her condition worsened over the weekend. 'Her unforgettable work has headlined major productions across SABC, eTV, Netflix and MultiChoice, touching the hearts of South Africans and global audiences alike. Whether through laughter or heartfelt storytelling, Meme had a rare gift: she made us feel,' the statement added. 'As her management, Eye Media Artists stands with her family during this painful time. We kindly ask that the public give them the space, love and time they need to grieve and process the unimaginable loss.'
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Presley Chweneyagae, star of Oscar-winning drama Tsotsi, dies aged 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which won South Africa's first ever Oscar for best foreign language film, has died. He was 40 years old. His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its 'most gifted and beloved actors'. 'His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy,' the MLA CEO, Nina Morris Lee, said in a statement. She gave no details about the cause of death. Chweneyagae's three-decade-long career spanned theatre, television and film. His award-winning performance in Tsotsi, based on the 1961 novel by South Africa's pre-eminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to international stardom. Chweneyagae was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom. The South African government paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his outstanding contribution to the film, television and theatre fraternity. 'The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts,' the government said in a post on X. 'Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.' The South Africa Film and Television Awards organization, known as Safta, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a 'true legend of South African Cinema' on X. 'Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,' Safta posted. The secretary general of the ANC, the party that dominated South African politics for 30 years, offered his condolences. Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a 'giant of South African film and theatre'. 'His legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,' Mbalula said.
