The tributes keep pouring in for Top Billing’s Simba Mhere after his untimely death in a car accident, along with his friend, in the early hours of Saturday. He was en route to OR Tambo to attend the J&B Met in Cape Town.
While his family, the industry and fans are still reeling from the news, one thing is clear: his four-year legacy on SABC3’s Top Billing remains deeply entrenched with all who knew him or met him.
Immensely talented and the most affable, unassuming and gentlemanly guy, Mhere also had a playful side to him. In fact, his last Tweet to his co-presenter, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, was indicative of this.
He tweeted: “Here’s #FlashbackFriday for you. Here’s @jon_boyntonlee doing a superman pose in speedo . You can thank me later.”
SABC TV head, Zandile Nkonyeni, commented: “Simba (Mhere) brought great character and charisma in everything he did and for that he will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, Simba’s friends and associates, his fans, viewers of SABC3 and the rest of South Africa.”
Gilda Van Schalkwyk, 5FM’s publicist, recalls the longstanding friendship she had with Mhere since she was the entertainment editor at YOU magazine.
She shared: “He remains one of the nicest, most genuine celebrities I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing and getting to know. He was always polite, sincere and friendly – very easy-going and someone with no airs and graces.
“We always got on well, could speak forever when we bumped into each other at events and he always made a point of asking how my husband and child were doing. The last time we saw each other was at the airport. I was off to Dubai and he to Japan. He was late for his flight, but made sure he greeted us all with hugs and we exchanged ‘safe travels’ and ‘let’s catch up when you’re back’.
“I spoke to him last week. We caught up about his constant travelling and he said he was doing so much more in the last year due to work. But he really wanted to travel for pleasure soon. He lamented how bad the food was in Japan saying: ‘I’m not a fussy eater, I’ll try anything once, but I struggled to find food I enjoyed’. We laughed. He promised we would catch up if he was to attend a 5FM event I was inviting Top Billing to and then he lost his cellphone signal. I didn’t call back to say ‘goodbye’. I assumed we would catch up if he came through to our event. . .”
She is one of many who have cherished personal memories of Mhere, who was keen to explore radio, too. After all, he had the perfect voice for it.
Sadly, all we now have left is the deafening silence of this gentle giant’s departure. Such an incalculable loss to the industry, indeed!
• Mhere’s memorial service will be held at Rhema in Randburg tomorrow between 3pm and 5pm. His funeral is on Saturday, 9am to 11am. He will be laid to rest at Westpark.
Loss of familiar face touches a nation:
Topbilling(@SABC3Topbilling): It is with terrible pain that we reflect on the passing of our beloved Simba Mhere. We are truly heartbroken.
Bryan Habana(@BryanHabana): Lost for words at news of @SimbaThe1’s passing he was 1 of the most positive & energetic souls I’ve met #RIPSimba
Lalla Hirayama(@Lalla_Hirayama): In utter shock! Sad sad day. A true gentleman. A people’s person. A humble guy that always had a warm smile and a hug to give.#RIPsimba
Loyiso Bala(@loyisomusic): This truly can’t be... So long my friend #RIPSimba
Chad Le Clo s (@chadleclos): @SimbaThe1 gone to soon brother #RIPSimba
Expresso Show(@expressoshow): #RIPSimba You’ll always be in our hearts.
Jeannie D(@Jeannieous): Thank you for bringing so much love and light into the lives of everyone who knew you xxx #RIPSimba
Jonathan Boynton-Lee(@jon_boyntonlee): Last tweet, Instagram, call, msg, FB post & whatsapp were to him. Cant believe my brother is gone. Thnk u 4 the incredible support #RIPSimba