Rest well, Maria: Former ‘7de Laan’ actress Themsie Times has passed on

Themsie Times is best known for her role as Maria Zibula in the South African soapie 7de Laan. Her bubbly personality is no more after she passed away on Thursday 9 December at 70 years old. The news was confirmed by the soapie’s publicity manager Kayleen Bessit on Friday morning.

Themsie Times who played Maria on ‘7de Laan’ has died

If you’re a real 7de Laan fan, then you are undoubtedly familiar with Maria who played the domestic helper for Hilda (Annelisa Weiland) and Oubaas (Pierre van Pletzen) for 13 years.

Maria – real name Themsie Times – left the show in 2016 but will always be remembered as a money-loving and kind-hearted straight-talker.

ALSO READ: ‘Loved by people’: Tributes pour in for struggle icon Lindiwe Mabuza

On Thursday this week, Themsie sadly passed away. Kayleen Bessit confirmed the news with Tshisa Live on Friday morning by saying:

“It is unfortunately true. As far as I understand she passed yesterday. She’s obviously not been a part of the show for a very long time. She’s always been an integral part of the show.”

Condolences pour in

Many South Africans have been saddened by the news and have taken to social media to say their last goodbyes. A lot of them also joked about Maria who often did many schemes on the show to secure money for her house in Qwa-Qwa.

@HulisaniModau2 wrote:

“Our Best Friend, Mama, and God-loving Queen. Our #ProudlySouthAfrican Film and Television actress Maria van #7delaan is no more ????????. We love you Mama may your Beautiful soul Rest in Peace #RIPThemsieTimes #7delaan #SABCNews.”

@ZaKaLwandle said:

“Oh no Maria kaHilda, rest well mama.”

Themsie also featured in South African soapie Yizo Yizo and Cry The Beloved Country. When she left 7de Laan, Themsie said she would be focusing on herself and God.

ALSO READ: Struggle veteran Ebrahim Ebrahim dies