Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Obituaries

latest news & developments

King of horses leaves lasting legacy

Pioneering South African equestrian Enos Mafokate, known as "Kgosi ya Dipere", has died. The trailblazer broke racial barriers during apartheid and dedicated his life to…

Enos Mafokate: South Africa’s King of Horses sadly reaches the finish line

Pioneering South African show jumper and founder of the Soweto Equestrian Centre, Enos Mafokate, has passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a profound legacy of breaking…

When a sports library burns: Remembering Sy Lerman

Veteran South African sports journalist Sy Lerman, whose distinguished career spanned over six decades, has passed away at 88, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in sports writing.

Zhu Rongji: The former no-nonsense premier who helped save China from economic collapse

Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, the "economic czar" who steered China toward a market economy, overhauled state enterprises, and secured its WTO entry, has died at the age of…

“I remembered…” A Tribute to Sol “Solrah” Rachilo

Sello Hatang reflects on the life and legacy of veteran actor Sol “Solrah” Rachilo, sharing personal memories of the late icon's touching acts of remembrance and the vital role…

A tribute to Dolly Parton: The voice that bridged worlds and touched hearts forever

Country music icon, songwriter, and philanthropist Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a globally cherished legacy and a special bond with South Africa.

Zolani “Last Born” Tete: A Champion Who Fought for More Than Belts

Former two-weight world champion and world-record holder Zolani “Last Born” Tete leaves behind a lasting legacy in South African boxing following his tragic passing at 38.

Cynthia Shange, trailblazing actress and beauty queen, dies at 76

From Miss World contestant to celebrated actress, Cynthia Shange’s life traced the evolution of South African entertainment across generations

Ira William Zartman was a scholar and author with a deep understanding of conflict management and negotiating peace. (Instagram)

Tribute for Ira William Zartman, better known as Bill

He was a scholar and author with a deep understanding of conflict management and negotiating peace

Ronnie Mamoepa and Cyril Ramaphosa.

Editorial: To those doing the hard work

Journalists today are operating in a fairly hostile climate. Two great men died.

Ronnie Mamoepa and Cyril Ramaphosa.

Ronnie Mamoepa dead at 56 after long illness

Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson died on Saturday

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Ray Phiri is hooked on reinvention

Editorial: Hambani kahle, omkhulu

Ray Phiri and Johnny Mekoa survived apartheid, succumbing to mortality while leaving behind exemplary legacies.

Brave: Joel Joffe

Joel Joffe, the lawyer who helped put the apartheid regime on trial

From Rivonia Trial defence architect to Oxfam director, the life of Joel Joffe is worth remembering.

2000:  Studio headshot portrait of St. Lucian-born poet and dramatist Derek Walcott wearing a black jacket and a black turtleneck. Walcott won the Nobel Prize in 1992.  (Photo by Horst Tappe/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The poet by whom the English language lives

Derek Walcott’s muse inspired his evocative poetry, which also explored Caribbean identity

Inspired by tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams

Rest in power, Miriam Tlali: Author, enemy of apartheid and feminist

Tlali was the first black South African woman to publish a novel in English within the country’s borders.