SA stars who died in 2025

THIS year saw the deaths of numerous South African artists, actors, musicians and cultural figures who left lasting marks on their communities, industries and fans.

- LUTHO PASIYA

SOCIAL media star, rapper and dancer Junior King died in a car collision on the N1 highway near Verkeerdevlei this month.

(Facebook)

Their contributions shaped South Africa's creative landscape, and their loss is felt across the country.

Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor best known for his lead role in the 2005 Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi, died in May at the age of 40.

His family confirmed it was from natural causes after experiencing sudden breathing difficulties at his home in Johannesburg.

Chweneyagae was also celebrated for his portrayal of Cobra in the television series The River and its spin-off Cobrizzi, leaving a memorable mark on South African television.

In June, the arts community mourned the loss of Rashid Lombard, a photographer, cultural activist and founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF). Lombard died peacefully at the age of 74 in Cape Town, surrounded by his family.

He was known for his powerful photojournalism during the anti-apartheid struggle and his tireless efforts to promote jazz music locally and internationally.

Jazz enthusiasts also remembered Fezile "Feya" Faku, who died in June at the age of 63 while on a music tour in Basel, Switzerland.