Michelle Botes (62) who starred in various South African television productions such as Die Swart Kat, Konings and Isidingo lost her battle with cancer this morning.

Many will remember her for her role as the villain Cherel de Villiers in Isidingo.

In her last interview with the magazine Bruis, Botes opened up about her battle with a rare and incurable type of blood cancer for the past two years.

She lived with her son in Observatory, Cape Town at the time of her passing.

Tributes for the actress have been streaming in on social media:

We have lost an icon.

Thank you to Michelle Botes for all your commitment and passion over the years. Your characters were a household staple and you brought joy to all those who followed your work over the years. Rest in peace.

Condolences to the Botes family and to all… pic.twitter.com/BSVhL24Fr9

— Mmusi Maimane MP (@MmusiMaimane) December 21, 2024

A true stars light illuminates to eternity.

Michelle Botes, will forever be known for her jaw dropping and eye brow raising performances that have set standards for many playing it big on our screens and theatres.

A remarkable thespian, consistently committed to her craft.… pic.twitter.com/RcPbPspigB

— Actor Spaces (@actorspaces) December 21, 2024

A true stars light illuminates to eternity.

Michelle Botes, will forever be known for her jaw dropping and eye brow raising performances that have set standards for many playing it big on our screens and theatres.

A remarkable thespian, consistently committed to her craft.… pic.twitter.com/RcPbPspigB

— Actor Spaces (@actorspaces) December 21, 2024