The passing of veteran actress Mary Twala, has left the masses traumatised! The news of his passing was revealed yesterday by her son Somizi Mhlongo, on social media who said in an emotionally charged post, his “Tree has fallen”.Somizi said his mother peacefully died around 11 am in the Parklane Private hospital, as he was on his way to drop off her gown, and a few minutes earlier the doctor called to say she’s up and jolly. Somizi said he arrived a few minutes late.Somizi said his mother peacefully died around 11 am in the Parklane Private hospital, as he was on his way to drop off her gown, and a few minutes earlier the doctor called to say she’s up and jolly. Somizi said he arrived a few minutes late.Ever since his announcement, tributes and messages of condolence have been pouring in, and many could only imagine the pain Somizi is experiencing following the passing of his beloved mother.Somizi’s husband Mohale Motaung said, he has never seen him heartbroken like that. He asked the masses to pray for them, and said really needs to be strong for him.

Multi-award winning gospel star Lebo Sekgobela has shared the heart-wrenching news that her mother Busani Mirriam Sekgobela, is no more. The gospel star took to Twitter to reveal the shocking news.Lebo described the pain of losing a mother as the saddest feeling she ever felt yesterday. The musician did not reveal her mom’s cause of death.Just recently musician Ntokozo Mbambo, and Somizi revealed that they lost their moms too. This has been a somber week for SA entertainers, and we would love to convey our condolences to their family, and friends.

New kid on the block Siphesihle Ndaba has won fans over with her portrayal of Mazet on Mzansi Magic’s “Gomora”.

We caught up with her.

What attracted you to this script?

What attracted me to the production was Mazet’s character bio. It’s a type of character that I have not explored or played before.I love that they’ve written her as strong powerful yet vulnerable to the people she cares about kind of woman, she’s a problem solver, a go getter.

She knows what she wants and will do what she needs to get it (I may not agree with her methods of achieving what she wants but I admire her “won’t stop until I get it” attitude).

She also doesn’t try too hard to fit in. The story of “Gomora” itself is a microcosm of South Africa – it depicts the reality of many people; their socio-economic status, family dynamics etc its real and raw.What are some of the qualities you like about her?

I admire her “won’t stop until I get what I want” attitude. She is also a very loyal friend/employee – once she lets you into her space she will do everything in her power to protect you.

She also doesn’t try to be liked, she does what she wants whether you like it or not – she doesn’t care much for public perception or “bazothini abantu”

So far, what has been the most challenging thing about playing this character?

I think so far the most challenging thing about Mazet has been her language.

I speak isiZulu – my parents are from KZN so I’d say my Zulu is quite decent – when researching the character and her environment I realised that I’d have to learn “township Zulu” and Tsotsi taal so I put a lot of time and research into that process to portray her authentically.

Mazet is a very confident woman – she does what she wants to when she wants to but uSiphesihle is quite a shy person so I really had to step out of my comfort zone to portray Mazet and sit comfortably in her lifestyle and her dialogue.

You attended the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, how did that experience influence you?

Gomora just became the most-watched show on Dstv, what does it feel like to be apart of a show like this?

Its an amazing feeling to be part of a production filled with such talented people from the cast to the crew. Its amazing because not only is our show successful but we also have such an amazing work environment. I learn something from my colleagues every week.

It’s also amazing and reaffirming to have your work and skills recognised. Its reaffirming as it’s a sign that all the work and sleepless nights I put in in university weren’t in vain. I am truly, truly grateful for this opportunity.

The school is a leadership academy which definitely harnessed my leadership skills. The school has helped me become a well-rounded leader – I try to better every aspect of my life e.g. academically, socially, physically , mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Somizi has shared that his actress mother Mary Twala has passed away on his late father’s birthday.

Taking to social media, Somizi broke the sad news that “the tree has fallen”, he did not reveal the cause of death in his post.

The veteran actress in January suffered a heart attack and an emotional Somizi during his Showmax wedding special, Somizi & Mohale: The Union expressed his joy over having his then ill mother attend the wedding.

“I’m shattered to the core…..but I’d be very selfish if I don’t release her….my mom lived to the fullest….achieved beyond her dreams….its hurts like hell…..I won’t lie…..a day without her calling to either say I love u or give me money,” shared Somizi in his post.

Somizi explained in the post that his mother peacefully left around 11 am at Parklane Private hospital as he was on his way to drop off her gown and detailed how the Dr earlier had called to tell him to come as she is up and jolly. Somizi arrived a few minutes late.

Olwethu Leshabane
Olwethu Leshabane is a South African is a media entrepreneur, author and public speaker. She is the founder of The Red Wings Project, an NGO aimed at addressing the issues of access to sanitary products for South African women. Olwethu Leshabane was also a first princess in Mrs South Africa beauty pageant 2016/2017 for married women. She also the Play You Part ambassador. Olwethu is also the author of the blog The Art of a Superwoman.

Age

Olwethu Leshabane is 29 years old as of 2020. She was born in Port Elizabeth.