Actors mourn ‘Bra Eddie’
Mokwena’s exit shatters industry
Rhythm City actor Setlhabi Taunyane has lauded legendary actor Sandy “Bra Eddie” Mokwena for raising him to be the actor he is today.
Taunyane was speaking at Mokwena’s memorial service held at Sasani Studios in Balfour Park, Johannesburg, yesterday.
Mokwena died in hospital last week following a heart condition.
Taunyane, who is popular for his role as “Bra Kop” on the e.tv soapie, said he met Mokwena when he was a teenager. “He raised me and believed in my talent,” said Taunyane, adding that “if it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would be standing here.”
The memorial service was attended by a large number of television actors.
Former and current actors at Scandal!, where Mokwena starred – including Kagiso Medupi, Mapaseka Koetle, Masasa Mbangeni, Fulu Mugovhani and Jerry Mofokeng – were in attendance.
Mofokeng said: I knew Mokwena’s family through my wife. Bra Sandy has made his exit and we are hurting. He has done enough but we had not had enough of him.”
He said Bra Eddie’s character was “number four” on the call sheet of the soapie, which in soccer terms meant he was a defender.
“He did not condone and accept any mediocrity next to him; we were all nervous about going on set ill-prepared because number four was always prepared.”
Mofokeng said Mokwena fought a good fight, even going as far as “crawling” to the studio to shoot the 3 000th episode.
Mokwena’s wife Grace, accompanied by the star’s four children, shared the front row with Gauteng MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Faith Mazibuko.
Mokwena will be buried at Westpark Cemetery tomorrow. A service will be held at Grace Bible Church in the morning.