Talented trio of SA celebrities killed in crash
THE deaths of three celebrities in a car accident has sent shockwaves through the creative industry. They were Akhumzi Jezile, Thobani Mseleni and Siyasanga Kobese.
Police spokesperson Namhla Mdleleni said the accident happened at about 2am on Saturday on the N6 in the Eastern Cape. She said five people were involved in the accident – two females and three males.
Mdleleni said the occupants of the other vehicle were not injured. Police had opened a case of culpable homicide.
The five were reportedly driving to a funeral when the accident happened on the N6 between Jamestown and Queenstown.
Jezile, an award-winning actor, and kiddies show YOTV presenter and producer, was with friends and colleagues, actor Mseleni and former Joyous Celebration singer Kobese.
The identities of the two other people in the car have yet to be confirmed.
Jezile grew up on screen as a presenter on YOTV and was recognised for his acting talent when he won a Safta in 2014 for his role as “Ngulube” in Tempy Pushas. Mseleni was an up-and-coming actor who played roles as “Bhonyongo” in the e.tv drama series Matatiele and “Bhutana” in the second season of the SABC1 drama series Intersexions. He had most recently played “Babalo” in the award-winning movie Inxeba: The Wound.
Kobese was most recognised as the lead singer of the beloved Joyous Celebration. The Zibeleni-born singer also acted as “Siphokazi” on the drama Mzansi Magic series Zabalaza.
Percy Vilakazi, spokesperson for Jezile’s family, said they were devastated by the loss. “He was the life of the party, love personified and when someone like that is snatched away it leaves everyone with a great sense of sadness and emotional paralysis.”
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa called the three celebrities “lodestars” of the South African arts and culture industry.
“The nation has been dealt a triple and breathtaking blow that has sent a wave of grief throughout South Africa,” he said.
“All three were young, brilliant shining stars from whom we’d have undoubtedly derived joy and delight from their long careers and lives.”
Actor and president of the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) Tony Kgoroge recalled how Jezile would not be intimidated in a room full of “greats”.
“When he was about to get on stage, he would say in isiXhosa ‘I know you guys are greats but I’m going to show you a thing or two’ and that’s the kind of confidence that he had,” said Kgoroge. YOTV released a message and pictures saying they are tremendously saddened by the passing of Jezile, who was the series director and producer. “He was the fibre and soul YOTV and will be sorely of missed. Lala ngoxolo buthi.”
Live AMP shared: “What a tragic loss to us all. We are all broken over the news of the passing of our director/series producer Akhumzi Jezile. Passionate, enthusiastic and a humble soul, you will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family and friends.”
The team at Inxeba: The Wound sent out their deepest condolences to Mseleni’s family.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to his family.
“Rest in peace, Thobani.”