​JOHANNESBURG – Tributes poured in on Sunday for legendary actor Joe Mafela.
The 75-year-old star of ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi died on Saturday night reportedly in a car accident in Johannesburg.

Fellow veteran actress Lillian Dube could hardly believe the sad news

“He was the happiest when I last saw him on Saturday, telling me that he was going on a cruise with his wife,” said Dube.

“I have known Joe forever and Joe was such a lovely human being and generous. I am so saddened,” she said.

“I started working with Joe, I had known him as this imbungulu on Sis’ May (‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi) . I first worked with him on Khululeka when we were preparing for the elections and I was playing the part of his sister.

“I found him to be a very wonderful person, sharing and encouraging.”

Dube said she had been disbelieving when told Mafela had died in in a car accident.
The Department of Arts and Culture said that the nation had lost an “extraordinary son of the soil” who was multi-talented, multi-skilled and much loved.

“The minister [ Nathi Mthethwa] salutes Mafela’s lifelong contribution to South African arts and culture,” department spokesperson Lisa Combrink said.

“He sends his condolences and his strength to the Mafela family. He was part of our living legends legacy programme and he was a very popular member of that programme.

“We were really taken by his great spirit of generosity and being prepared to help others.”

Source: http://www.enca.com