Joe Mafela remembered
Legendary actor and celebrated industry veteran Joe Mafela passed away in a car accident on 18 March 2017. Mafela, popularly known as Sdumo, was 75.
Veteran South African actor Joe Mafela is affectionately remembered for conceptualising and starring in early Chicken Licken television advertisements, and writing the “It's good, good, good, it's good, it's nice” jingle in 1986. His most memorable role in acting will be credit for his portrayal of the character of Sdumo on the isiZulu sitcom Sgudi 'Snaysi, which was very popular in the 1980s and early 90s.
Many South African celebrities, politicians and fellow actors reacted to Mafela's death with many outpouring messages of condolences.
Veteran Namibian actor, David Njavera, credits Mafela as someone who paved the way for many actors across Africa and as a mentor that many actors aspired to be. “As an actor he has mentored most of us that call the fraternity a career today. He has shown and taught us that it pays to be professional and hardworking,” said Ndjavera. Ndjavera says Mafela will be remembered for his portrayal of the characters he played and his career ethics. “His naturalistic approach to the character and his portrayal of subjectivity in the delivery of issues pertaining to human conflict and behaviour was tops. He was an educator and entertainer. His career ethics to be lived by would be that people should never short-change themselves and that all should value their beings as equal to all,” said Ndjavera.
Mafela was an actor, comedian, songwriter and film producer with a brimming bag of accolades.
Last year, he was honoured with a Life Achiever's Award for his contribution to South African television and arts in general.
June Shimuoshili
Many South African celebrities, politicians and fellow actors reacted to Mafela's death with many outpouring messages of condolences.
Veteran Namibian actor, David Njavera, credits Mafela as someone who paved the way for many actors across Africa and as a mentor that many actors aspired to be. “As an actor he has mentored most of us that call the fraternity a career today. He has shown and taught us that it pays to be professional and hardworking,” said Ndjavera. Ndjavera says Mafela will be remembered for his portrayal of the characters he played and his career ethics. “His naturalistic approach to the character and his portrayal of subjectivity in the delivery of issues pertaining to human conflict and behaviour was tops. He was an educator and entertainer. His career ethics to be lived by would be that people should never short-change themselves and that all should value their beings as equal to all,” said Ndjavera.
Mafela was an actor, comedian, songwriter and film producer with a brimming bag of accolades.
Last year, he was honoured with a Life Achiever's Award for his contribution to South African television and arts in general.
June Shimuoshili
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