Johannesburg - Actress Lesego Motsepe was a remarkable talent, Gauteng arts and culture MEC Lebogang Maile said on Monday.
The 39-year-old died on Monday morning. Her body was discovered by her brother Moemise Motsepe around 11am at her home in Randburg, the family said in a statement.
“Lesego was an incredible talent whom we will always cherish for the memories and joy she brought to her fans,” Maile said in a statement.
“This is indeed a sad start to the year for an industry that has lost so many legends. It is particularly hard because Lesego was still very young.”
Motsepe was declared dead at 1pm by paramedics. She died of natural causes.
She will be remembered for her role as Letti Matabane in the soapie, Isidingo. Motsepe was part of the cast from 1998 to 2008.
“We will continue to celebrate her work, may her wonderful humble soul rest in peace,” Maile said.
Motsepe announced her HIV-positive status on World Aids day in 2011, and became an Aids ambassador.
“She had been living with the disease since 1998,” her family said.
“Since the public announcement that touched many hearts of South Africans, Lesego conducted several workshops and talks on the importance of living with hope when affected by HIV/Aids, directly or otherwise.”
Motsepe is survived by her mother Ivy Skhosana, brothers Moemise and Andile Skhosana, and nieces and nephews.
Sapa