Famous faces who passed away in 2021

Thus far, 2021 has been yet another challenging year as the Covid-19 pandemic dragged on. We look back at some of the famous locals and public figures who lost their lives this year:

Jackson Mthembu (63) – minister in the presidency and politician died January 21.

South Africans all over mourned the death of Mthembu after he died of Covid-19 related complications on 21 January 2021. Colleagues and adversaries give tribute to his life as a politician.

“Comrade Jackson was one of the most reliable people I knew,” said Dr Mathews Phosa former premier of Mpumalanga and close confidant of the late minister Jackson Mthembu in his tribute.

Phosa recalled the time he met Mthembu after defending him following his arrest for terrorism.

He told Izak du Plessis about Mthembu’s struggle credentials.

Karima Brown (54) – senior journalist died March 4.

eNCA’s ‘The Fix’ anchor and broadcaster Karima Brown died March 4, following complications related to Covid-19.

Brown’s family released a statement on her passing and said, “It is with deep sadness that we inform the public that our beloved sister and mother, Karima Brown, passed away this morning. She died from Covid-19 related complications.

“Karima was not just a prolific and well-known South African journalist and commentator, with deep footprints in print and broadcast media, but also and more importantly a well-loved friend, mentor, mother, colleague, daughter, and confidante to countless people throughout a life lived fully, and with a deep commitment to her most cherished values and principles.”

Sindisiwe ‘Sindi’ van Zyl (45) – radio presenter, medical doctor and life coach died April 10.

Ben Kruger (64) – actor and author died May 26.

Messages of shock and sadness following the announcement of actor Ben Kruger’s death flooded in on social media platforms. Kruger, known for his role as Oom Okkie in Binnelanders, died on May 26 due to Covid-19.

Geoff Makhubo (53) – Johannesburg mayor and politician died July 9.

Makhubo passed away on July 9, after he had been admitted to hospital for complications arising from Covid-19. Makhubo had served as the African Nation Congress’ treasurer and later as an MMC responsible for Finance in the City of Johannesburg. In December 2019 he was elected Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg.

Lesego Semenya (39) – celebrity chef and author died July 12.

Lieb Bester (72) – actor died July 21.

Well-known actor and musician Lieb Bester lost his fight against Covid-19 on July 21.

Lieb’s brother Rev. André Bester handled the service from his congregation, EG Kerk Rietfontein. Relatives and friends attended the service and it was also broadcast online.

Shona Ferguson (47) – actor and producer died July 30

Media mogul, Shona Ferguson passed away on July 30 at Netcare Milpark Hospital from Covid-19-related complications.

Ferguson Films published a statement on shortly after the news of Ferguson’s death went viral on social media. Initial reports said Ferguson was in ICU after having had heart surgery. The family statement disputes this stating that Ferguson had complications due to Covid-19.

Jolidee Matongo (46) – Johannesburg mayor and politician – September 18.

Jolidee Matongo, newly elected Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, passed away in a car crash on September 18.

Matongo was elected unopposed as mayor on August 10, following the death of previous Executive Mayor Geoff Makhubo in July this year.

Matongo was at an event in Soweto with President Cyril Ramaphosa, and was fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident on his way home. President Ramaphosa said, “It is hard to comprehend this tragedy, given the vitality and passion with which Mayor Matongo interacted with me and residents of Soweto so shortly before his death.”

– FW de Klerk (85) – South African president under the apartheid regime and Nobel Peace Prize laureate – November 11.

De Klerk died at his home in Fresnaye in Cape Town in the early hours of November 11 due to a cancer-related illness.

The late De Klerk served as president for South Africa from September 1989 until May 1994, overseeing the end of the Apartheid era.

 Theuns Jordaan (50) – singer and song-writer – November 17.

Afrikaans singer and songwriter, Theuns Jordaan (50), died on November 17 from cancer after he was diagnosed with leukaemia last year.

Since then, he received chemotherapy and had a bone marrow transplant in March.

The beloved singer, with his raspy voice, stole hearts with his version of “Beautiful in Beaufort-Wes”.