Mourned heroes who fell in 2016

AS 2016 draws to a close‚ it’s time to remember fallen heroes who collectively left a mark on the lives of millions of South Africans.

In March‚ musician and socialite Koyo Bala succumbed to cancer in the Groote Schuur hospital‚ Cape Town.

Legendary actor‚ director and play writer Nyembezi Kunene died in June at the age of 57 after a long battle with diabetes. Nyembezi is popularly known for the role he played in Emzini Wesinsizwa.

Another actor, Greg Melvill-Smith, died in June. Melvill-Smith had roles in 7de Laan‚ Binnelanders and Isidingo. He was also a well-known voice-over and director.

Hope Zinde‚ former SABC board member and media personality‚ also died in June. Zinde was found in the boot of her car in Pecanwood Estate in Haartbeespoort Dam. Her son‚ Mark, has been charged with her murder.

In July‚ South Africa mourned the death of racing driver Gugu Zulu‚ who died in July while attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Zulu was part of a group‚ including his wife‚ Letshego Zulu‚ who were part of the Trek4Mandela expedition.

Former ambassador‚ cabinet minister and Eastern Cape premier Makhenkesi Stofile died in August at the age of 72.

A month later‚ the country was rocked by the death of Kwaito star Mandoza‚ who died on his way to the hospital.

This month saw the death of multi-award-winning gospel singer S’fiso Ncwane of apparent kidney failure in a Johannesburg hospital. — TMG Digital