Death has struck the entertainment industry once again. This comes after news that talented actor Sipho Ngema has died.
The former Rhythm City and Uzalo actor’s death sent shockwaves across the nation. Sipho’s daughter Mbali confirmed the heartbreaking news that her father died in a Johannesburg hospital late on Tuesday from heart failure. “He passed away [on Tuesday] night at 10.15 pm at a hospital in Johannesburg. He suffered from pulmonary hypertension, which caused his heart to fail. The family is currently discussing details of his burial,” she said.
Mbali said the family were devastated by his passing and struggling to make sense of it all. “The family is not well. Some are still calling to confirm his death. We have received a million phone calls from his friends and colleagues. The support has truly been humbling. He really was loved.”
Sipho was known for his role as Raymond on the e.tv soapie Rhythm City, and as Terror on Uzalo. He also played a drug boss in the Mzansi Magic miniseries Stash in 2013 and more recently was on e.tv’s Sipho. Despite his tough-guy roles,
Mbali said she will always remember her father as a “genuine softie” who always made sure she knew he loved her. “I will definitely miss his voice and love for music. To the world, he seemed hardcore and strict, but he was a genuine softie to his six children.”
Tributes to the star have flooded social media. In an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday, actress Nomcebo Gumede said she was “finding it hard to process the terrible news”. “RIP Sipho Ngema (Terror). I am not OK. I’m finding it hard to process the terrible news. Our careers brought us together and I got the opportunity to share some beautiful scenes with the talented Sipho Ngema.”
This is the third death of an entertainment icon that South Africa has suffered within a month. Veteran actress V-Mash died this month as well as Skeem Saam actor, Charles Maja shocked the nation when he died.