Remembering Joe Mafela
South Africans remember a legend in the local film and television industry
ICONIC actor Joe Mafela, who conceptualised the phrase “It’s good, good, good, it’s good, it’s nice” phrase from the Chicken Lickin’ advert, has died in a car crash and will be remembered for his contribution to the South African film and television industry.
Tributes continued to pour in following the news of the 75-year-old actor’s death.
President Jacob Zuma, Parliament, political parties and citizens paid tribute to him on social media.
Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said Mafela died at the weekend and an investigation is under way.
“A motor vehicle accident occurred on the M1 North, after Oxford Road before 10am on Saturday, March 18, between a Isuzu double cab and a white Ford Figo.
“It is alleged the driver of the Ford was Joe Mafela, who was declared dead on the scene. The driver of the double cab, his wife and three kids were not injured. The cause of the accident will be investigated.”
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said: “We are shocked and saddened by the passing of a great artist and a truly generous man, Baba Joe Mafela. The nation has lost an extraordinary son of the soil. He was multi-talented and multiskilled, much loved and much revered. We salute his lifelong contribution to South African arts and culture. We convey our strength and heartfelt condolences to the
Mafela family, his friends and fans.”
The ANC had learnt with sadness of Mafela’s death, ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said yesterday.
Mafela had been well-known for his lead character “Sdumo” in the sitcom Sgudi’Snaysi.
An actor, songwriter, film director and producer, Mafela had been in the entertainment industry for years and had continued to excel without showing any signs of slowing down, he said.
“Joe Mafela was an internationally acclaimed songwriter. His title track Shebeleza was used as a theme song for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. He has been a pioneer and veteran in the entertainment industry having received numerous awards including, but not limited to, the best actor in comedy at the South African film and television awards.
“As we mourn his passing, the ANC sends its sincere condolences to the Mafela
family. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to his colleaguesand all South Africans at large. May his soul rest in peace.”
According to SA History Online, Mafela made his debut in Real News directed by Peter Hunt in 1964 and in 1976 he acted as Sergeant Dumu and acted in Shout at the Devil.
NFP leader Zanele KaMagwaza-Msibi said: “Mafela was a veteran of the craft and the greatest comedian ever produced.
“I grew up watching him in the early ‘90s and I never missed a chance to watch him perform on television. He instilled in me and my family our love for acting. But one thing Mafela taught me as I grew up was that no matter how famous you are, you must remain grounded.
“He was such a bubbly soul and the ever charismatic character. He lived and dedicated his life to entertaining us and making us laugh when things were tough.
“I hope our young actors have learnt from him. On behalf of the National Freedom Party, the country and the continent, I send my deepest condolences to his family and the entire acting community. We have lost the greatest. May his soul rest in peace.” – ANA, Staff Reporter