The passing of legendary South African actress, Mary Twala, has sent shock waves across the country, with many expressing their condolences to her loved ones.

Celebrities, politicians, and other high profile public figures joined locals in mourning the death of Twala, who’s said to have died on Sunday morning.

The news was confirmed by his son Somizi Mhlongo, who shared a heartfelt message across his social platforms. “My tree has fallen”, he wrote in a tweet with a picture of his mother. On an Instagram post, Mhlongo detailed the events that came before the sad news. “I’m shattered to the core…”, he shared.

The South African media personality revealed that the actress died “peacefully” around 11 am at Parklane Private Hospital, where she’d been receiving care.

“We have lost a unique talent and an endearing human being whose performances brought to life the meaning of being South African, and appealed to South Africans of all generations”, said President Cyril Ramaphosa in a tweet. “We will miss her dearly…” 

Mary Twala has the distinction of being regarded as one of the country’s most renowned actresses. Throughout the years, she has starred in a number of high-rated local productions, a list which includes Generations and Ubizo: the Calling.

The actress’s acting chops have earned her much praise and recognition through the years. In 2010, her stellar portrayal of ‘Ma Dolly’ in the film Hopeville earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination in the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Following a hiatus during which she was attending to her health, Twala made a comeback in te film Vaya, which premiered in 2015.

Her catalogue of films also includes Comatose, in which she starred alongside Bimbo Akintola and Kakeem Kae-Kazim. She also had a supporting role in the
sports film Beyond The River.

Most recently, audiences got to watch the actress beam with joy as her son, Somizi, got married on his 4-part wedding special, which premiered on Showmax.

Mary Twala was 80 years old at the time of her passing.

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After all the drama had subsided regarding the Miss SA 2020 pageant, it is time to forge forward. The beauty competition enlisted four  first round judges including the outspoken radio personality and returning judge, Anele Mdoda and former Miss SA crown holders Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala (2010), Liesl Laurie (2015) and Adè van Heerden (2017).

Following the former Miss SA title holder, Zonzibini Tunzi’s exploits across the globe, which earned her the coveted crown of Miss Universe, this years entries hit record numbers of more than 2 500 entries received.

The list needs to be reduced to 35 hopefuls that will take part in the virtual interview rounds before a Top 16 is announced. With the honour of being part of the panel of judges that handpicked Rolene Strauss and Zonzibini, both of whom went on to claim success on global stages, Anele was not fazed by the pressure of unearthing another gem.

RELATED: Miss SA 2020 to Stage First-Ever Digital Pageant

“It’s never about the judges; it is the belief the young women have in themselves. We just serve as a springboard; the crown finds the contestant whilst she is looking for it.”

Assisting Anele on the hot seat is former Miss SA Dr Adè van Heerden, who revealed the checklist that the contestants need to tick if they harbour any wishes of going far in the competition. “I am looking for a multifaceted woman. A woman who radiates a deep confidence within herself and in the potential of her nation…

…A woman who can embrace her unique beauty, couple it with the strength of her voice and move our nation forward. The potential winner must be authentic with the ability to learn.”

For the first time in the history of the Miss South Africa pageant, the top three finalists will represent the country at the world’s three most prestigious pageants.

Previously, the Miss South Africa Organisation has sent a representative to both Miss Universe and Miss World, but will also now be fielding an entrant to Miss Supranational.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with M-Net, Mzansi Magic and Sun International.

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He’s shot to instant fame thanks to his portrayal of a certain ‘Karabo Molapo’ on Netflix’s second African original series, Blood & Water.

But while the teen drama continues to garner the young thespian his fair share of attention and some global success, he’s also not sleeping on the job. ‘KB’, an aspirant young rapper at Parkhurst High, soon becomes Puleng (the main character)’s love interest in the series. In real life, the actor is also melting some hearts.

RELATED: BLOOD & WATER CAST, PLOT & MORE!

And now that Blood & Water hit #1 on Netflix across several countries following its May 20th premiere, the cast is increasingly finding themselves on the radar. And if he’s Instagram is anything to go by Molaba, who’s never professionally acted in anything before, is ready for the limelight.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Rejuvenated ✨🧘🏽‍♂️

A post shared by KALE DINERO – 🇿🇦. (@thabangmolaba_) on Mar 12, 2020 at 7:31am PDT

The hunky actor has been treating his almost 250 thousand followers to style candy on Instagram, where more viewers of the teen drama will be camping ahead of the looming 2nd season.

 

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No sadness in sight, just vibes. 🤞🏽💫 . Ink ✍🏽: @rooi_97

A post shared by KALE DINERO – 🇿🇦. (@thabangmolaba_) on Feb 26, 2020 at 3:00am PST

And if the snaps if his feed are anything to by, there’s now more proof that a smile is always better to melt hearts.

 

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A post shared by KALE DINERO – 🇿🇦. (@thabangmolaba_) on Feb 20, 2020 at 1:29am PST

So is a good sense of style!

 

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📷: @o_justshootalready . ______________________________________________

A post shared by KALE DINERO – 🇿🇦. (@thabangmolaba_) on May 11, 2017 at 1:52am PDT

And a defined set of abs to go along with the aesthetic.

Apart from the socials, though, Blood & Water fans will be looking forward to sightings of the actor in the drama’s highly anticipated second show.

Blood & Water is centred around Puleng Khumalo, a 16-year-old who manoeuvred her way into the prestigious Parkhurst College to investigate the cold case of the abducted-at-birth older sister she’s never met. Shot mostly in Cape Town, the series is directed by one of South Africa’s most talented black female directors, award-winning Nosipho Dumisa.

You can stream the entire first season on Netflix.

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