2025 in memoriam: South Africa remembers its heroes and everyday people

Every year leaves its own emotional footprint. Some years thunder past; others linger like echoes. For South Africa, and the world, 2025 was a year of farewells. It was a year in which microphones fell silent, great talents took their final bow, leaders exited the stage, and familiar voices that once filled living rooms, stadiums, churches and radio waves faded into memory. And a mom, excited that her child had finally found a way to make a living in the big city of gold, a few days later found herself holding ashes of the remains of her son.

If loss defined the headlines, legacy defined the heart of the story.

JANUARY: The music stops

The year began with sorrow in the arts fraternity. On 7 January, the unmistakable presence of Winnie Khumalo, 52, slipped away. A powerhouse of kwaito and Afropop, an actress, performer and personality, she was part of a generation that helped shape modern South African music.

Just two days later, the nation mourned again. Doc Shebeleza, born Victor Bogopane, died at 51 after a short illness. With energetic hits like Ingagara and Skumfemfe, he was more than a musician, he was a soundtrack to township streets and youthful joy. Cassper Nyovest famously named a hit in his honour. In January, the beats quietened… but they did not disappear.

FEBRUARY: Farewell to titans

February brought global departures. Business magnate Douw Steyn, 72, builder of Steyn City and confidant to Nelson Mandela, died, leaving behind a world he helped shape both economically and socially.

Across the Atlantic, the velvet voice of Roberta Flack, 88, went still. Her songs, Killing Me Softly, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, do not age; they simply live in the memory of anyone who has ever loved deeply.

Hollywood also dimmed its lights as legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, passed away, closing a chapter in cinematic greatness. His wife had died a few days earlier in the same house.

MARCH: An interfaith advocate bows out

The legal and religious fraternity was dealt a blow on March 20, when Ashwin Trikamjee, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum, died. Trikamjee was an attorney who served as president of the then Natal Law Society, president of the Association of Law Societies of SA, chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association (IBA) and member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA. He was a Black Consciousness activist and led the Durban chapter of the Natal Indian Congress. He also served as vice president of the South African Football Association.

In the same month, the world said goodbye to a man whose strength extended far beyond the boxing ring. George Foreman, 76, was more than a heavyweight champion. He was a preacher, entrepreneur, comedian in spirit, and patriarch to a famously named lineage of five sons, all George. His name even sizzled on kitchen counters worldwide through the George Foreman Grill. 

APRIL: Curtains close for a thespian

South Africa’s creative scene bowed its head on 16 April when veteran actor Don Mlangeni, 65, passed away. For many, he will forever be Laqhasha from ’Sgudi ’Snaysi, but his career stretched across generations, Isidingo, Uzalo, Shaka iLembe and countless stage productions.

MAY: A talent gone too soon

At only 40, Presley Chweneyagae died on 27 May following sudden respiratory complications. His role in the Academy-winning Tsotsi placed him on the global map, while his portrayal of Cobra in The River endeared him to millions. His passing shocked many.

JUNE: Leaders and voices fade

Former Zambian president Edgar Lungu’s death in South Africa on 5 June sparked debates, court actions and diplomatic tensions that lasted for months as his family fought the Zambian government for the right to bury him on South African soil.

Later that month, sport lovers mourned the passing of broadcasting favourite Phumlani Msibi, 57. His voice was excitement, drama and passion rolled into one. His unforgettable phrase, “Coach, thoughts please?” now belongs to memory.

JULY: A final amen for a shepherd

On 14 July, the pulpit fell silent as Rev SD Gumbi, 66, passed away. A preacher, motivator and ever-present spirit on Ukhozi FM religious programming, he travelled the country lighting spiritual fires in all-night revivals and church gatherings. His was a ministry of energy and conviction. He was famous for his tag line: "Uphi u-Amen?" (Where is Amen?)

AUGUST: Loss, shock and reflection

August was a heavy month.

South Africans were shaken by the brutal death of Mthokozisi Siyanda Mvelase, 27, an e-hailing driver who had left Nongoma for Johannesburg in search of opportunity. His killing reopened painful conversations about safety, dignity and economic struggle. His charred remains were found in his e-hailing vehicle at the entrance of Maponya Mall, Soweto, believed to be linked to ongoing tension between e-hailing operators and minibus taxi operators. His mom, struggling to come up with funeral expenses, was left with ashes of him.

The country also mourned beloved actress Nandi Nyembe, 75. From Soul City to Yizo Yizo and Zone 14, she embodied characters with truth and grace. Her death also exposed a heartbreaking reality of the too many artists who shape culture but leave this world financially broken.

Journalism lost one of its fearless voices when Tshidi Madia, 42, associate editor of politics at Primedia, died on 27 August. Sharp, principled and unafraid, she challenged the "white genocide" misinformation as part of a media delegation that accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosa to the US and spoke truth with clarity.

SEPTEMBER: A death that left questions

September brought the death of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa in Paris. A former police minister and minister of sport, arts and culture, he is believed to have been preparing to face the Madlanga Commission. His passing sparked deep public discussion and speculation after he plunged to his death at a Paris hotel in an apparent suicide.

OCTOBER: The voice of soul falls silent

Music again felt emptier when D’Angelo, 51, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. A reluctant torchbearer of neo-soul, a label he himself did not embrace, his songs Brown Sugar and Cruisin’ defined eras, loves and lives. His influence reshaped R&B and will outlive generations.

NOVEMBER: A veteran of the struggle remembered

ANC veteran Sunny Garji Singh, 86, died in November. Born in Cato Manor, imprisoned on Robben Island for many years, he represented resilience, principle and unwavering political conviction. Colleagues remembered him as a champion of unity and social cohesion.

DECEMBER: The final goodbyes of the year

December opened in mourning with the death of musical maestro Pops Mohamed on 4 December. Born Ismail Mohamed-Jan, his five-decade journey through sound enriched South African music with depth, soul and cultural heritage. He approached jazz and world music in his own distinct style.

Later in the month, tragedy struck again. Former radio presenter Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, 40, was shot dead on Reconciliation Day in the Johannesburg CBD. Born in Durban and raised in rural Nquthu, Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, and fluent in isiZulu, he carried cultural pride wherever he went. A suspect appeared in court shortly before Christmas.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE