Loved ones and fans devastated by ‘Gomora’ actor Zubane’s death
For the public, he was best known as Sdumo in Mzansi Magic’s series Gomora, but for his family and friends, he was a fun-loving and talented person with a childlike spirit — making reports of his apparent suicide even more painful for his mom.
Thobile Zubane spoke about her loss ahead of her son Siyabonga Zubane’s memorial service yesterday, expressing hope she would find answers after the 23-year-old’s death on May 1.
“It is painful ... He was a respectful person, family-orientated and supportive, and we will forever remember him,” she said.
The family is awaiting results from a postmortem.
His colleague and friend, actress Siphesihle Ndaba, who plays MaZet on Gomora, spoke highly of him, saying he was exceptionally good at both dancing and acting.
“Siya was such a high-energy, funny, super-talented person. He always brought his A game to work; he came prepped and ready to play. He had such a childlike spirit.
“What some people don’t know is Siya was also a dancer.
“He did ballet and tap which is such a beautiful contrast from what people expected of him, or rather from how his character Sdumo was.”
Siphesihle reflected on how they used to tease each other, with Zubane calling her “size 2” because she has small feet, and she calling him “baby police” because of how short he was.
“Our friendship was extremely funny. The banter between us was unmatched ... He never failed to throw in a joke right before we’d shoot a scene.
“He never failed to make sure the people around him smiled. In retrospect I see that he always did that because he didn’t want anyone to feel how he truly did inside.
“I hope he knows how much he is loved, how he made an imprint in our hearts and will never be forgotten.”
Only recently having made his debut on TV, Zubane had already made himself at home in people’s lounges as they fell in love with his Yizo Yizo vibes as Sdumo.
Fans took to social media platforms to express their heartbreak, lamenting the potential for greatness that was abruptly ended.
Mention of his smile and positive energy was repeated in all tributes, but many were shocked by the apparent darkness that engulfed him and appeared to have ended his life.
Zubane studied performing arts, doing dance as a major at the Tshwane University of Technology arts campus in Pretoria and had been exploring his talents in acting and dance.
He first blasted onto the entertainment scene in 2017 in Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya, playing the role of Bhungezi.
He went on to play Sdumo in his last on-screen offering.
Born in Alexandra township in Johannesburg, he did not come from privilege and had said in interviews he had to work for everything he had, including dropping out of school due to a lack of funds.
His close friend, Hizel “StarBoy” Masemola, said he was one of the most generous people he knew.
“We shared most of the things, food, clothes, personal space and secrets.
“He was an outstanding performer, a great listener.”
The memorial service took place at the Joburg Theatre yesterday and Zubane will be laid to rest at Klipfontein community Hall on Sunday.