Triple celeb deaths shock arts industry
Tributes pour in after tragic crash claims lives of stars
ARTS lovers are in shock at a horror smash that killed three celebrities at the weekend – Joyous Celebration singer Siyasanga Kobese, former YoTV presenter and actor Akhumzi Jezile and actor Thobani Mseleni, as well as another two people who have not yet been identified.
The five died on the N6 between Komani and Jamestown in the early hours of Saturday on their way to a wedding in Engcobo.
The Kobese family was struggling to come to terms with their loss when the Dispatch visited their Ezibeleni home yesterday.
Family members from Balfour were arriving to grieve with Kobese’s mother and father.
Kobese’s father, Norman, said the accident happened at about 2am.
“They were on their way to her friend’s family wedding in Engcobo, where Siyasanga was going to be a master of ceremonies.
Kobese said the accident happened just past the junction to Sterkstroom on their way north.
“They were five in their car and according to the police, there was a car in front of them towing a BMW on a trailer. When the trailer got a puncture, the driver lost control and the trailer hit their car, killing them all on the scene,” he said.
Kobese added: “When we arrived, you could see the marks on the road, how the driver of the car towing the BMW had struggled to control the vehicle. It was bad.”
Kobese said he could not look at his daughter’s face.
“I identified her by her feet and hands. All of them had head injuries,” he said. “The family is still shocked and traumatised.”
Transport department spokeswoman Khuselwa Rantjie said the vehicles had been travelling in opposite directions. “A Hyundai i35 (SUV) from Queenstown with two male occupants towing a BMW IX35 on a trailer collided with a Renault Clio with five occupants, two females and three males, who were all declared dead on the scene,” she said.
Rantjie said the two men from the SUV escaped with no injuries and added that the identification process of the two other victims had not yet been finalised.
Police spokeswoman Captain Namhla Mdleleni said the ages of the passengers who died were between 35 and 40.
Mdleleni said the police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa said: “It is with profound grief that the Ministry of Arts and Culture has learnt of not one, but three deaths of bright young stars in the future of the country’s arts and creative industries.”
He said Jezile had grown up in front of the nation’s eyes as a presenter on YoTV and attained fame and respect in the television and film industry, which recognised his talent with a Safta award in 2014 for his role as Ngulube in Tempy Pushas.
“Fort Beaufort-born Mseleni patiently paid his dues in the industry before getting his big break playing roles, including that of Bhonyongo in drama series Matatiele and more recently, Babalo in the award-winning movie Inxeba: The Wound.”
He said the gifted Ezibeleni-born Kobese was an actress the country got to watch playing Siphokazi in the drama series Zabalaza.
“However, we remember her most vividly as someone who wowed audiences nationwide as a lead singer of Joyous Celebration. Siyasanga was such an artist, and it’s not necessarily her face that haunts us as we mull this tragedy, but her powerful voice, which touched millions of South Africans who listened to this choir’s songs and relished her commanding voice,” said Mthethwa.
Urban Brew Studios CEO Veronica Duwarkah said: “We are all devastated and utterly shocked, but we will try to remain strong during this time.”
Head of Bouquet at SABC1 Clara Nzima said: “It is with immense shock and sorrow that we learn of the untimely passing of Akhumzi. A colleague, an exceptional talent ahead of his time, a friend to many.”
Speaking on behalf of the Jezile family, Percy Vilakazi said they were humbled by the outpouring of love, support and prayers they had received from all corners.
Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane’s spokesman Mlimandlela Ndamase said: “It is always sad when a nation loses such talent at a tender age. In his short-lived life, Akhumzi contributed to the entertainment industry what many could only achieve over decades. His energy lit up any room he entered and his passion for the arts is what we will miss most about him.”
“South Africa continues to lose precious gems on our roads.” —