The late former Generations and Sgudi-Snaysi actor David Phetoe has been described as a phenomenal actor.
Phetoe not only dazzled audiences with his remarkable talent, but also mentored and nurtured upcoming young actors.
The veteran actor died on Thursday due to kidney failure. He was also suffering from prostate cancer.
He has also been lauded for his role in a film based on the book, “Cry, the Beloved Country”.
Fondly remembered for his role as Paul Moroka in the SABC TV soapie, Generations, the 85 -year-old veteran was one of the first actors to star in it when it first premiered in the 1990s. He acted as the father of Busang, Karabo and Archie Moroka.
Former Generations actress Sophie Ndaba who played Queen Moroka has described the late actor as a father figure who guided her as a young actress when she was starting out.
“He was this jolly ntate wako kasi (father from the township) who had so much experience in the entertainment industry and because we were young girls then, we really got to connect with him as a father figure, as an experienced actor in the industry, who guided us all the time and always willing to help us. I think these are some of the things we sometimes lack in the industry. He was always there to see us as his children and mentor us into the industry.”
Phetoe was not only known for the small screen, but also in theatre productions, adverts and voice-overs.
The SABC has also paid tribute to the veteran‚ saying that he was one of the most experienced actors in the country.
SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago has sent condolences to the families.
“We were really shocked as the SABC especially with what has happened this year with all the great people in the entertainment passing. We would like to send our sincere condolences. It’s a great loss in the industry when people with such great experience pass on.”
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko, has added her voice in the outpouring of tributes for the acting legend.
In a statement, Mazibuko says the beginning of 2018 is proving to be a difficult time for the nation’s entertainment community with the loss of Phetoe.
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