RIP Maria: 7de Laan’s Themsie Times passes away

By Kaunda Selisho

Long-time 7de Laan cast member Themsie Times has passed away.

For over a decade, Times played the role of the beloved Maria Zibula.

SowetanLIVE reports that the show’s publicity manager Kayleen Bessit confirmed the news to its sister publication, TshisaLIVE, on Friday.

Although it was confirmed that Times, 70, passed on Thursday, little else is known about her death.

Neither the production company responsible for 7de Laan (Danie Odendaal Productions) nor the SABC have released a statement about Times’ death. However, Bessit promised TshisaLIVE that a statement was being prepared.

For 13 years, Times played the role of Maria, a quick-witted and ambitious domestic helper who came into the show working for Hilda (Annelisa Weiland) and Oubaas (Pierre van Pletzen).

Over the years, she became a part of Oubaas and Hilda’s family and played a pivotal and often matriarchal role in “The Laan”. Her character’s ambition saw her start her own businesses which generated enough revenue for her to build herself a lovely home to enjoy her retirement in.

During her’ time on 7de Laan, she also starred alongside characters like Matrone (Annelize van der Ryst) and Aggie (Nobuhle Mimi Mahlasela) who became her best friend on the show. Mahlasela shared a picture of her first scene on the show, which was alongside Times.

In addition to starring in 7de Laan, Themsie also played Ma Jordan in the first season of Yizo Yizo and starred in shows such as Isithembiso, Madam & Eve and Dead Places.

After hearing about her passing, 7de Laan viewers shared images and memories of Times on social media, along with messages conveying their condolences.

Times leaves behind three children and six grandchildren.