The South African entertainment industry loses 3 contributors after tragic crash – Akhumzi Jezile, Siyasanga Kobese and Thobani Mseleni.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, is deeply saddened by the passing of SAFTAs award-winning actor and Judge Akhumzi Jezile, singer and actress, Siyasanga Kobese and actor, Thobani Mseleni. The talented trio tragically passed away in a car accident on Saturday, 28 April 2018, near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape.
Akhumzi Jezile who played the role of Ngulube on Tempy Pushas won a Golden Horn Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2014 for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for this role. Akhumzi’s generosity and passion for the South African film and Television industry, saw him volunteer his time as a SAFTAs judge for the past three years. He was a true professional who never missed a meeting, submission deadline and his charismatic and warm personality contagiously dominated all the SAFTAs judging meetings.
“Akhumzi’s contribution to the South African television industry far extended his age and as the NFVF and SAFTAs family we extend our gratitude to him for his immeasurable contribution,” said Ms. Zama Mkosi, NFVF CEO and SAFTAs Chairperson
Thobani Mseleni was an actor and musician who played various roles in local productions such as Matatiele, Intersexions, and he guest starred on several television shows including Generations and Moferefere Lenyalong.
Actress, comedian and vocalist, Siyasanga Kobese, was known for being a member of the gospel group Joyous Celebration. Siyasanga was best known to television viewers for her role as Siphokazi in the Mzansi Magic TV soap Zabalaza and her recurring minor role in the Mzansi Magic telenovela iNkaba.
Ms. Zama Mkosi also said “On behalf of the SAFTAs and NFVF family, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, fans of these three young, talented South Africans. Their untimely passing is tragic, robbing all South Africans of their exceptional talent. Their passing is also a reminder for all young South Africans to unrelentingly continue to pursue their dreams.”
May their souls rest in eternal peace, we will treasure the characters they gave us for decades to come. The South African film and television industry will not be the same.