Tributes have poured in on social media following the news of the death of South African actor Sandy Mokwena, aged 68.
The veteran actor who was the longest standing cast member on e.tv's popular soapie Scandal! died from natural causes in hospital on Wednesday night, one day after South Africa was rocked by the loss legendary musician Hugh Masekela. The veteran trumpeter died on Tuesday after losing a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was 78.
In a statement, e.tv's publicist Michael Pocock said they all deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
"e.tv is deeply saddened by the news and our condolences go out to Sandy’s family and the cast and crew of Scandal! Sandy Mokwena has been part of Scandal! since the first episode which aired in January 2005."
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa also took to social media to pay tribute to Mokwena.
He wrote: "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends & colleagues of veteran actor Sandy Mokwena who has sadly passed on. As early as 1972 he embarked on a world tour with the cast of the musical "Ipi Tombi". He later played roles in Scandal, Generations, Soul City & Yizo Yizo".
We extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends & colleagues of veteran actor Sandy Mokwena who has sadly passed on. As early as 1972 he embarked on a world tour with the cast of the musical "Ipi Tombi". He later played roles in Scandal, Generations, Soul City & Yizo Yizo pic.twitter.com/xWkadZ9pUr
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) January 25, 2018
Former Scandal! co-star, Dineo Moeketsi, also took to social media to reminisce about working with Mokwena, as she 'struggles' to come to terms with the news of his passing.
She wrote: "My time at Scandal was made beautiful by Ntate Sandy Mokwena. He didn't want me to cry on my last day there and said we'd meet again. O ntaetse sentle and were so encouraging of my move. Until we meet again Papa. Struggling to take it in.(sic)
My time at Scandal was made beautiful by Ntate Sandy Mokwena. He didn't want me to cry on my last day there and said we'd meet again. O ntaetse sentle and were so encouraging of my move. Until we meet again Papa. Struggling to take it in. 💔
— Dineo Moeketsi (@therealdineo) January 25, 2018
Here are some more tributes to the fallen icon:
2018☹️.
Death be not proud, #RIPSandyMokwena💔 !!!
— Thembisa Mdoda (@tembisa) January 25, 2018
1. #RobbieMalinga buried this year
5. Sandy Mokwena #BraEddie has now died...
What is 2018 trying to say to us? 🤔 #RIPSandyMokwena #RIPBraEddie pic.twitter.com/tDexWO6xyn
— Madiepetsane Motaung (@madiepetsane2) January 25, 2018
The 2000's Babies know him as BraEddie the 90's 80's gwng back also know him as Mr Mokoena 👇 4rm Yizo Yizo #RIPBraEddie/ #RIPSandyMokwena pic.twitter.com/TINIdsDJFT
— #FMTYAOY (@RealNhlakes) January 25, 2018
2018 is quickly becoming a thief . #RIPSandyMokwena Sandy Mokwena pic.twitter.com/EMHEeN54jH
— Makhema Ofhani (@khemipress) January 25, 2018
What is 2018 trying to tell us though is still January n people are dying why #2018 are you a Curse to South Africa??? pic.twitter.com/SZggsoFlmZ
— Malesela Setati 🇿🇦 (@MaleselaSetati) January 25, 2018
2018 is such a crazy year . Really heart broken by #BraEddie's passing .May your soul rest in peace. You were such an amaizing actor and your craft will be remembered for years 🙏 #RIPSandyMokwena pic.twitter.com/G2B05u5eak
— T.RACKZ (@T_RackzSa) January 25, 2018