Mary leaves the arts industry poorer
Actress had long, successful film and television career
Born: August 10 1965
Died: August 7
Funeral Service: At the Tshwane University of Technology, Soshanguve campus, on Sunday at 7am
Burial: Soshanguve Cemetery
Seasoned actress Mary Makgatho would have celebrated her 52nd birthday yesterday. Instead, her family is busy with her funeral arrangements.
Makgatho died on Monday at George Mukhari Hospital in GaRankuwa, Tshwane. She had been in a coma following a head injury inflicted when she fell at her home last month.
Makgatho was famous for her roles in local sitcoms, dramas and soapies. She appeared in the SABC Tswana sitcom Ga Re Dumele that ended its season last Sunday.
She played the role of Connie, the stray sister to Lucilla, on Rhythm City, while in Generations she starred as Puleng. She landed the lead role on Ga
Re Dumele in 2010, where she played Esther, a devoted pastor’s wife who was the continuous voice of reason to her husband and calculating friends.
She also starred on Yizo Yizo, Emzini Wezinsizwa and eKasi: Our Stories. She has also starred in the movie Duma, where she played Thandi. Her TV career started on SABC’s children’s show Takalani
Sesame. She started her school in Moruleng near Rustenburg in North West. She matriculated at Odi High School in GaRankuwa and did short courses in make-up.
Fellow actor Boikie Pholo said Makgatho was never married and did not have children. “She really loved and took care of her nephews and nieces,” Pholo said.
Pholo reminisced about their early days in Johannesburg. “When she first arrived, I would pick her up when she had to go to work because she was very young. We would talk about characterisation, scripting, behaviour and how to treat people in the [media] industry,” said Pholo He said he would miss her good listening skills, big heart and tender soul.
Actor Warren Masemola said: “I am so hurt we lost an honest, loving and supportive actor. Thank you very much for all the advices, chats and talent ... I love you.”
Presenter Masechaba Ndlovu also shared her tears: “Dear God, are your angels taking a break today? What on earth is going on today? #MaryMakgatho though. What a matriarch. Fly home queen.”