South Africans mourn death of TV icon, Joe Mafela
Fans and friends of the late TV star, Joe Mafela are mourning the loss of the legendary South African entertainer.
Many have taken to social media to express their condolences to his family, calling the producer and director a great talent with a beautiful spirit.
Mafela - one of the country's most beloved actors - lost his life in a car accident in Johannesburg at the weekend.
Veteran actor, Jerry Mofokeng, says 75-year-old Mafela who was multilingual, was still active in the industry.
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"We're not saying empty words because he is gone. He is loved by this country. We love him even in his absence. I think he has done his full quota - delivering God brought him in this world with," he said.
And Mofokeng says he last saw Mafela at the SAFTA nominations ceremony two weeks ago but they didn't get a chance to interact.
He's known for his role as S'dumo in the popular 90's comedy, Sgudy's Snays, and most recently as Tebogo Moroka on Generations: The Legacy.
To my generation Bra Joe Mafela will be remembered for his great 1974 role in the 1st black movie uDELIWE
— Dali Mpofu (@AdvDali_Mpofu) March 19, 2017
"Peter...Pleasure!"#RIPJoeMafela
Minister @NathiMthethwaSA pays tribute to Joe Mafela. pic.twitter.com/ftghMbBOgt
— Arts & Culture (@ArtsCultureSA) March 19, 2017
ubab' Joe Mafela was multitalented. In 1996 he released the highly successful song "Shebeleza" which became a theme song for AFCON 1996. pic.twitter.com/28OUjLLJb9
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 19, 2017
Rest in peace, love & light Ntate Joe Mafela.Thank you for the laughter & priceless childhood memories. Condolences to his family & friends.
— Khanyi Dhlomo (@KhanyiDhlomo) March 19, 2017
Rest In Peace Joe Mafela. He made us laugh during South Africa's dark past. May we never forget him or his work.
— Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) March 19, 2017
So sad to learn of the tragic passing of legendary South African actor Joe Mafela. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/qzoM2lEdda
— Ulrich J van Vuuren (@UlrichJvV) March 19, 2017