Cape Town — South African veteran actor David Phetoe has passed away at the age of 85.
Phetoe died at a Johannesburg hospital on Wednesday afternoon due to an undisclosed illness.
Speaking to TshisaLive, Phetoe's son, Eugene, said he had passed shortly before they arrived to visit him.
SABC on Thursday evening released a statement paying tribute to the fallen icon, and praised him for being instrumental in paving the way and setting the bar for upcoming actors.
Pheto, who was most popular for his role as Paul Moroka in Generations, also starred in the Sgudi Snyasi, alongside the late Joe Mafela, and featured on the famous South African-American drama film based on the novel Cry, The Beloved Country.
The SABC's Kaizer Kganyago says the Phetoe contributed enormously to the country’s entertainment industry, adding that he was one of the people who had the wealth of experience.
Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the veteran actor:
Another Veteran Actor David Phetoe has passed on kanti 2018 what's going on #DavidPhetoe pic.twitter.com/xD9mGIz2L1
— Sphesihle Woqobo (@sihle_official) February 1, 2018
I would like to extend my deepest condolences on the passing on of veteran actor David Phetoe who was popularly known as Paul Moroka on the soapie, Generations. May his soul Rest In Peace #ripdavidphetoe pic.twitter.com/fiMs6pXZVr
— MinPresidencyRadebe (@radebe_jeff) February 1, 2018
Where do legends go? #RIP DavidPhetoe pic.twitter.com/ZEjgsDpypE
— eLDee (@lebinatsotetsi) February 1, 2018
This is David Phetoe (Paul Moroka on Generations) and not Prof Kole Omotoso (Yebo Gogo man on Vodacom ad). I remember him on @Gen_legacy as a disciplinarian. #ripdavidphetoe pic.twitter.com/QvA0kYLHxc
— #Ta!!estGuy (@simon_makwala) February 1, 2018
#DavidPhetoe #RIPNtateDavidPhethoe you have played your role,you will n missed pic.twitter.com/fKHFTv2IWG
— Nduduzo Simelane (@sdu_mpembe) February 1, 2018