President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Mary Twala-Mhlongo, describing her as a great icon of the nation’s creative community.
Mhlongo passed away at the Parklane Hospital in Johannesburg. She was 80.
Mhlongo had an extensive career in film and television. She has featured in the small screen in drama series such as Hlala Kwabafileyo and Molo Fish.
In her long career she was nominated for various awards, including in the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting role in 2011.
In 2019, President Ramaphosa awarded her The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.
In the video below, Lillian Dube pays tribute to her late friend:
Ramaphosa says her performances brought to life the meaning of being South African and appealed to all generations.
Like millions of South Africans, I am saddened by the passing of a great icon of our nation’s creative community; someone who was a household name and face to all of us and brought home the joys, the struggles and the humour under pressure that characterises our national life. pic.twitter.com/3EPIRB7Sf7
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #StaySafe (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 4, 2020
Ministers Lindiwe Sisulu and Fikile Mbalula, the EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi and Julius Malema as well as Professor Thuli Madonsela are some of those tweeting their condolences to Mhlongo.
Mary Twala ?#RIPMaryTwala… deepest condolences to you brother @somizi. May her soul rest in perfect and eternal peace! Her impact on our screens was thorough, complete and indisputably legendary! pic.twitter.com/G9DHcoPyMy
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) July 4, 2020
The tributes describe Twala as a legendary trailblazer whose departure is a loss not only for her son, but also a great loss for the nation. Actress, Connie Chiume, says she was undoubtedly the ‘mother of theatre ‘ whose legacy will live on.
Mama Mary Twala brought laughter into our homes. She was a whole mood. We will miss her. #RIPMaryTwala pic.twitter.com/BFtSEqyUZ6
— Christo (@ChristoThurston) July 4, 2020
The last time I saw her on TV was at Somizi’s wedding. I’ll never forget the look she gave Somizi before he walked down the aisle? that woman loved her son & was proud as hell❤ #RIPMaryTwala pic.twitter.com/VEIt0gk0cv
— Siviwe (@me_siviwe) July 4, 2020
