Veteran actress Mary Twala has passed away on Saturday morning in Netcare Park Lane Hospital according to her son, Somizi Mhlongo. Mary was 80 years old.
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Taking to social media to confirmed the news of Twala’s passing, her son Somizi said:
“Today’s my late father’s birthday…..and my mom decided to respond to his call to join him in heaven…..THE TREE HAS FALLEN…I’m shattered to the core…..but I’d be very selfish if I dont release her….my mom lived to the fullest….achieved beyond her dreams….its hurts like hell…..I wont lie…..a day without her calling to either say I love u or give me money…….thank u south africa for loving the phenomenal super star that is my mother…….she left us peacefully around 11am at parklane pvt hospital as I was on my way to drop off her gown and a few minutes earlier the dr called to say come shes up and jolly now…..I arrived a few mon late……LALA MA……(sic),” – Mhlongo captioned his Instagram post
Mary Twala captivated audiences of all ages in a career that spanned more than 60-years.
Twala starred in dozens of TV productions, theatre and films including Taxi to Soweto, Sarafina!, Soul Buddyz, Child Of Soweto, Deliwe, Muvhango, SOS, Undenzani Melwane, Iqhawe, Hlala Kwabafileyo, Khululeka and Yizo-Yizo.
In 2011, Mary was nominated for an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Last year she received the Order of Ikhamanga for her contribution to the performing arts. The order also honoured the star for her work in raising awareness of women’s health.
Image Courtesy: instagram.com/somizi