President Cyril Ramaphosa awards veteran actress, Mary Twala with the Order of Ikhamanga. Photo: GCIS / Flickr
Veteran SA actress Mary Twala passes away, aged 80
Mary Twala starred in films such as Sarafina and Mapantsula, and was honoured by the Presidency earlier this year.
President Cyril Ramaphosa awards veteran actress, Mary Twala with the Order of Ikhamanga. Photo: GCIS / Flickr
Award-winning South African actress Mary Twala passed away on Saturday, at the age of 80.
The veteran entertainer is best known for roles in local movie productions such as Sarafina! and Mapantsula, and has also featured in the small screen in drama series such as Hlala Kwabafileyo and Molo Fish.
South Africa mourns Mary Twala
Her passing was announced on social media by her son, popular TV personality, Somizi Mhlongo on Saturday afternoon.
My tree has fallen……..lala Ma pic.twitter.com/CjojR7k2uX
— somizi somGAGA (@somizi) July 4, 2020
Twala was, earlier in the year, awarded the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga – which is handed out to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism or sport.
She received hers in silver for excellent achievement and, in awarding her the accolade, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the following;
“Her excellent contribution to the performing arts and for creatively raising awareness on women’s health issues through storytelling. Her sense of humour and humility on and off stage has endeared her to the nation at large.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
Tributes pour in for beloved entertainer
Among those who were first to issue out messages of condolences were Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula, as well as veteran actor and personal friend to Twala, Dr John Kani.
“Condolences to you and the entire family may her soul rest in eternal peace usebenzile Mama esethu you ran your race strength to you Somizi,” Mbalula tweeted.
Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Transport
Condolences to you and the entire family may her soul rest in eternal peace usebenzile Mama esethu you ran your race ?????strength to you Somizi.
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) July 4, 2020
Somizi this day the arts community celebrates the life of a great lady. We pay tribute to a life well lived. Mary Twala, Order of Ikhamanga Silver Recipient, her legacy will-live for ever in all of us. RIP my dear friend. Elder
— JohnKani (@JohnKani2) July 4, 2020
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