Mary Twala: Ramaphosa saddened by death of ‘great icon’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued out his heartfelt condolences, following the passing of legendary actress, Mary Twala.

The film, theatre and television icon died at the age of 80 on Saturday, with her son, popular TV personality, Somizi Mhlongo sharing the sad news on social media.

South Africa mourns Mary Twala

Ramaphosa who, in April 2019, awarded Twala with the Order of Ikhamanga issued out a statement later in the day, saying South Africa had lost a unique talent.

“Like millions of South Africans, I am saddened by the passing of a great icon of our nation’s creative community; someone who was a household name and face to all of us and brought home the joys, the struggles and the humour under pressure that characterises our national life,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa

He added:

“We have lost a unique talent and an endearing human being whose performances brought to life the meaning of being South African, and appealed to South Africans of all generations. We will miss her dearly.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Messages of condolences pour in

Ramaphosa was one of many government officials who issued out tributes to the iconic entertainer, with the likes of Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula and Johannesburg mayor Geoff Makhubo also sending out messages of condolences to her family.

According to Somizi, Twala had been hospitalised at Parklane private hospital, where she passed away.

“She left us peacefully around 11:00 at Parklane private hospital as I was on my way to drop off her gown and a few minutes earlier the doctor called to say ‘come she’s up and jolly now’. I arrived a few minutes late,” he wrote on Instagram.

Somizi Mhlongo