10 Scandal Actors who died recently

When a Scandal storyline is moving and scandalized, we don’t want to see it taking a turn because it’s main character has died in real life. For example in the case of Busi Lurayi, she had to be replaced by Thuli Thabethe and possibly her story had to shortened because Thuli cannot be Busi, fans can notice the difference. we will look at 10 Scandal Actors who passed away in recent years.

Number 1: Sandy Mokwena died in 2018 at the age of 68

Image of Sandy Mokwena

Actor Sandy Mokwena is one of the Scandal actors who died and left the nation in pain. He played the role of Bra Eddie Khumalo’ in the television soap opera from 2005 until his time of death in 2018. A memorial service was held at the Scandal! studios on Wednesday in honour of the 17 years he spent at the serial. [1]

Number 2: Shona Ferguson, died in 2021 aged 47

10 Scandal Actors who died recently — Image of Shona Ferguson

Ferguson Films Co-founder and husband of Connie Ferguson, Shona Ferguson died in 2021 from Covid19 at Netcare Milpark Hospital. According to an industry friend, the Botswana-born actor died after being admitted to the hospital for two weeks ago. Shona was known playing Alex in Scandal and for his latest role of Jerry Maake on The Queen. He was 47 years old at the time of death and he was buried in Fourways Memorial Park after a private funeral. Two days after his death, a memorial service was held in where the attendance was limited to 50 people due to Covid-19 regulations.

Number 3: Frances Ndlazilwana In April 2024 aged 89

In April of this year, the entertainment industry lost another top artist in the industry, actress Frances Ndlazilwana. She died in after battling an illness for a long time. According to sources close to the situation, Ndlazilwana died at home surrounded by family. The source adds that she was old and frail. The actress was known for playing in the drama series “After 9” and for her role in the popular SABC1 drama series Intersexions, where she played the character of Mama Ephi. On Scandal, Frances played a guest role of Makhulu in its first season.

Number 4: Nyembezi Kunene, died aged 57 in 2016

Another veteran actor who left the nation in shock after his death is Nyembezi Kunene. He died at the age of 57 in June 2016 after battling diabetes for a long time. Nyembezi Kunene was best known for his role as Jabulani Dlomo on Generations during the previous decade from 2007 to 2009 in a career that spanned across three decades. He also appeared in Umlilo, Ring of Lies and other drama serials. He played the role of Dollar in etv Scandal season 1.

Number 5: Mary Twala, died aged 80 in 2020

Most people knew Mary Twala as Somizi’s mother but some knew her for her work in South African entertainment industry. She is known in the entertainment industry for playing in Generations, Yizo Yizo, Child of Soweto, Soul Buddyz and more. Mary Twala also appeared in Scandal Season 1 where she played the role of Mme Mamphahlela. Concerning her death, Mary died at the age of 80 in 2020 from an illness she has been to hospital in and out for quite some time.

Number 6: Busi Lurayi, died at the age of 36 in 2022

Another young actress who died in recent years and was already the face of Scandal is Busi Lurayi. She died at the age of 36 in 2022 from unknown causes. Family and friends suspected foul play because she had bruises on her legs and she was found lying in a pool of her own blood. No autopsy results were published to verify her cause of death. At the time of death, Busi was playing the role of Me’Shell on Scandal and fans had fallen in love with her shady character. Since her life was cut shot in the middle of her storyline, Busi had to be replaced by Thuli Thabethe. [2]

Number 7: Ron Smerczak, died aged 69 in 2019

British born and South African based actor Ron Smerczak died in 2019 from a heart attack at the age of 69. He was known for roles in Cry, The Beloved Country, the TV series Shaka Zulu and the film American Eagle. He also appeared in Scandal where he played the role of a Jewish Lawyer.

Number 8: Tamara Jozi, died in 2021 at the age of 64

Actress and television personality Tamara Jozi broke many hearts when she passed away as well. She died from natural causes on 6 August 2021 at the age of 64 in South Africa. She was a household name in television, newspapers and billboard advertisements. Apart from appearing in many television commercials, she had a notable role in the soapie Soul City. She appeared in Scandal season 1 playing the role of Mam’ Joyce.

Number 9: Nomhle Nkonyeni, died in 2019 aged 77

Another veteran actress who left her fans with a void in their hearts is Nomhle Nkonyeni. She died in hospital on 10 July 2019 after a short illness aged 77. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a Special Provincial Funeral Category Two for her because of her outstanding work in the arts and culture in South Africa.

In the entertainment industry, Nomhle was known for films such as “Red Dust”, “Catch A Fire” and as Forest Whitaker’s mother in “Zulu. She was also in many soap operas and dramas on television. In 2017, she joined Scandal! in the role of Lulama Langa, mother to Siseko Langa, played by Hlomla Dandala. She was scheduled to film more of “her much-loved and feisty character” when she suddenly died. [3]

Number 10: David Clatworthy, died in 2020 aged 60

Actor and director David Clatworthy was diagnosed with an esophagus cancer for some time. He died on 8 September 2020 at the age of 60. He was known for notable performances in many theatre plays such as; The King and I, Life Is a Pitch, Macbeth and many more. In 2016, he joined with the kykNET Afrikaans soap opera Getroud met Rugby and played the role “Gerald Richter”. In the meantime, he also became a director of the show. He also appeared on Scandal as Dr Van Zyl in the first season of the soap opera.