SA mourns the passing of ‘Jam Alley’ legend V-Mash

SOUTH AFRICA is reeling over the death of former Jam Alley presenter Vinolia Mashego, aka “V-Mash”, 56, who passed away at her Mamelodi, Pretoria, home.

Mashego’s younger sister Prelley Seale said they received the news of Mashego’s death on Monday morning. “It’s true. We got the news this morning. We are still shocked and we don’t know what happened to her.”

Seale told Zola Hlashatshi, a friend of Mashego, and he took to social media to announce her death.

He wrote: “It is with great sadness and tears in my eyes and a broken heart to announce the passing of Vinolia Mashego aka V-Mash she passed peacefully in her sleep. She was well known as the enegertic Jam Alley Presenter and recently made a come back as the presenter on @mojalovetv’s Bheka Sikubambile #RIPVinoliaMashego Funeral will be this Friday, April 10. Limited to Family. Please respect the family, friends and us to mourn peacefully.”

Fans took to Twitter to express their sadness: “Having learned about the news, those who knew Vinolia remember her as the girl with blonde hair, popular back in the early 90’s as she presenting every Friday night on Jam Alley, with Paul Mnisi.

#RIPVMash We wouldn’t miss an episode of Jam Alley because of you.”— Goodwill Thomo (@Goodwill_Thomo)

“With your Bold Blonde hair, that alone was dare. I couldn’t get enough of you, your energy gave me chills each time, I jammed to your vibe. You did You and that’s why everyone knows your name and surname today. Iyo bangane Iyo #RIPVMash.”— That Limpopo Diva- Lejoy (@lethaboLejoy)

“Sweet messages poured for V-Mash, as who she was known as since the return on Moja Love, hosting a prank the show, Bheka

Sik’bambile. RIP: TV personality and former Generations star, Vinolia Mashego has passed away. Mashego was currently a host of Bheka Sik’bambile on Moja Love. She was 56. #RIPVinoliaMashego #RIPVMash.” — Phil Mphela (@PhilMphela)

“An Icon! A Legend! A Trailblazer! Ausi Hilda Letlalo. Thanks for the memories Aunty! #RIPVMash.” — Zamani Khethelo (@ZamaniNKhethelo)

“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a pioneer of SA Television, Vinolia Mashego popularly known as V-Mash, who became a leader of popular culture in the 90’s and will forever be remembered for breathing life into the soul of our nation #RIPVMash.” – Department of Arts & Culture (@ ArtsCultureSA)