South Africa lost a host of icons in August, and many are yet to come to terms with the untimely deaths of some of South Africa’s celebrated women within the entertainment industry.
Could this be the worst women’s month ever in the South African entertainment industry?
CELEBRATED SOUTH AFRICAN ICONS WHO DIED IN AUGUST
The South African entertainment industry lost four seasoned stars in August, from award-winning radio presenter Zanele Mbokazi to award-winning anchor and broadcaster Thabiso Sikwane.
The month of August was undoubtedly riled with tragedy.
MULTI-AWARD WINNING ACTRESS CONNIE CHIUME
The untimely death of seasoned actress Connie Chiume came as a shocker to many.
With an illustrious career spanning years, Connie Chiume quickly became one of the most celebrated actresses from South Africa.
She is best known for her iconic roles in local and international drama series. The 72-year-old actress died on 6 August at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.
Confirmed reports she died after a period of illness. The seasoned actress was laid to rest at Lala Ngoxolo cemetery at Crystal Park in Benoni.
RADIO VETERAN ZANELE MBOKAZI
The veteran radio host Zanele Mbokazi died on 12 August after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
However, the 52-year-old celebrated on-air host died when she was about to celebrate her 13th wedding anniversary with her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Brian Nkambule.
The Crown Gospel Awards founder was laid to rest on 17 August at the Durban International Convention Centre.
ON-AIR HOST AND ANCHOR THABISO SIKWANE
On 31 August, confirmed reports made it known that South Africa had been robbed of yet another icon.
A press statement from the Sikwane family confirmed the untimely death of Thabiso Sikwane. Confirmed reports have it that she died a few days after being admitted to a local hospital.
However, reports have it that she died barely a few hours before she celebrated her 50th birthday celebration.
Despite turning 50 in July, the seasoned radio host had scheduled her birthday celebration for 31 August.
DR BISHOP JESSICA MBANGENI
Shortly after the news of Thabiso Sikwane’s death, it was also confirmed that praise poet Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni had passed away.
Against the news, her family issued a press statement confirming the news of her untimely death.
LIRA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE FOUR ICONS
South African singer Lira took to social media to pay tribute to celebrated South African icons who died in August.
She posted on Instagram, “August month took away some incredible women. Death is sneaky. We never know when it’s going to knock at our door, so all that’s left is for us to do it to live fully, robustly, and happily.
“Free ourselves from regrets. May we live our lives fully. My deepest condolences to the families of @thabisowasikwane, @jessicambangeni, @conniechiume, and @mbokazizanele. They will surely be missed