Siyabonga Zubane will be buried on Sunday, 15 May.
THE loss of budding singer Siyabonga Zubane has left many sad.
He nailed his part as Sdumo on Mzansi Magic’s Gomora to perfection, and soon became a fan favourite following his debut on the program.
Siyabonga died on Saturday, 7 May at the age of 23.
Tributes have subsequently been flooding in on social media.
The Tshwane University of Technology, where he was a dance student, conveyed their sympathies to his family.
“We at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) are very grieved by the demise of the outstanding Siyabonga Zubane, a student at the Department of Dance – Faculty of Arts and Design. He won the hearts of many South Africans portraying his latest part of Sdumo on Gomora, which connected with him well, given he was born and reared in a township,” the institution noted.
“The university would like to convey its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow students of Siyabonga. His contribution to the television business will long be treasured.”
Mzansi Magic’s Director at M-Net: Local Entertainment Channels, Shirley Adonisi, said they were heartbroken by Siyabonga’s death.
“Mzansi Magic is devastated to learn of the demise of the great Siyabonga Zubane. His first TV role in 2017, was on Mzansi Magic’s telenovela Isibaya, portraying Bhungezi. Recently, the young actor appeared on Gomora as Sdumo, a role that struck a personal chord with him since he was born in the Alexandra township. We would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to Siyabonga’s family and friends during this difficult time. “His contributions to the television business will be remembered for a long time,” she said.
“It’ll all make sense one day,” remarked fellow actor Sicelo “Seekay” Buthelezi in a Facebook post. “I bid you goodbye, qabane.”
Siyabonga was lauded by Siphesihle Ndaba, who co-starred with him in the film Gomora.
Mnganam, we still had a lot of tales to share with you. You were a ray of sunshine in so many of our hearts. When it came to the set, you ALWAYS brought your A-game! It had me on my toes the whole time. It’s a beautiful and loving soul. Thank you for taking the time to share your gift with us.
“Kubhlungu, I hope you are able to find peace. “Phumula manje, ngikufatela big time,” she said in her letter to the editor.
The memorial ceremony for Siyabonga will be conducted on Thursday, May 12 at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
His funeral will take place on Sunday, although the location has not yet been announced.