Sello Maake KaNcube, Hamilton Dlamini, Fana Mokoena, Atandwa Kani, and John Kani, friends in the industry of Mncendisi Shabangu, have paid tribute to the late Rhythm City actor, playwright, and theatre director on social media. He passed away on Sunday, July 24, at the age of 53.
The late actor passed away in his Mpumalanga home after vomiting and complaining of chest pains, a family member Mthokozisi Shabangu told Daily Sun.
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Friends in the industry who worked with Rhymth City star Mncendisi Shabangu, including Hamilton Dlamini, Sello Maake KaNcube, Fana Mokoena, and Atandwa Kani, express their sadness at his passing.
Maake KaNcube tells the Sowetan that the death is a really sad loss for the industry.
“Mncedisi was not an industry to the family but a father, a son, or even an uncle. To his family, I send my heartfelt condolences.”
The deceased actor who won a SAFTA for playing Khulekani on e.tv’s Rhythm City has also written, directed, and acted in a number of stage productions, including Asinamali, The Suitcase, Vuka Machel, Mooi Street Moves, Barbershop, and others.
Atandwa Kani, a talented actor, as well as his father John Kani, who co-starred with Shabangu in several plays, also paid tribute to the actor.
Atandwa wrote:
“My big brother, my friend, my mentor, my advisor & confidant, has passed away. I am so heartbroken. Rest in eternal peace TaMnce, once Mncwa, bhut’ Lekese, “yiza ngomva s’thandwa sam, uyang’ kilikita”.. I will never forget you… See you on the other side my “Maestro”.. Goodbye Mncedisi Shabangu”.
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Tony Kgorokge, a former Imbewu: The Seed actor, also paid tribute to the celebrity on Twitter:
“Force of my forces, a true thespian … Rest in creative peace, my brother.”
Hamilton Dlamini from DiepCity, Fana Mokoena from Scandal!, and Mzansi Magic on DSTV are a few more people in the industry that recognized the late actor.