The Faces We Lost in 2025: Five South African Icons remembered

As 2025 slips quietly into memory, there is a stillness that lingers — a gentle hush that asks us to stop, to breathe, to feel.

This year, like every year, has carried its music and its sorrow, its laughter and its silence. It has reminded us that behind every public face, every voice we adored, there was a human soul.

South Africa has bid farewell to many cherished artists and public figures this year, each leaving a lasting imprint on our culture and hearts. Today, however, we focus on just five whose work and presence touched us deeply: actors and musicians who brought stories, songs, and unforgettable performances into our lives — Suthukazi Arosi, Presley Chweneyagae, Winnie Khumalo, Nandi Nyembe, and Don Eric Mnawa.

These icons left behind legacies that continue to resonate in our hearts. And now, let us pause gently and reflect on each individual and the legacy they left behind:

1. Suthukazi Arosi

We begin by remembering the legendary jazz musician Suthukazi Arosi, who left us earlier this year at the age of 64 after a courageous battle with stage-four cancer.

For more than four decades, Arosi’s music was a celebration of African values and the enduring spirit of uBuntu — Motho ke Motho Ka Batho — a reminder that our lives are intertwined, that we are stronger and richer when we lift one another. Her songs, from Unity to Africa Unite, Ubuntu, and Ingane Yabelungu, carried messages that were both deeply personal and profoundly universal, touching hearts across generations.

She shared her talent with some of Africa’s most revered artists — the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Dumza Maswana — and her presence extended beyond music, gracing stages and screens with her acting.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on. In every note, every lyric, and every performance, Suthukazi Arosi continues to inspire, reminding us of the beauty of connection, the power of music, and the quiet ways one life can leave an enduring imprint on many.

2. Presley Chweneyagae

Next, we remember the legendary actor Presley Chweneyagae, whose passing on 27 May 2025 at the age of 40 left a deep void in the hearts of many.

He died of natural causes after experiencing breathing difficulties, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond the screen.

Chweneyagae is best known for his unforgettable role in the Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi, but his talent shone in countless other productions, including The River, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Africa United to just name a few.

Beyond his performances, he was a mentor to young, old, and aspiring actors, sharing lessons about life, craft, and the pursuit of becoming the best version of oneself. Audiences will remember him for his warmth, his humor, and the rare gift he had of reflecting their own experiences and emotions through his work.

3. Winnie Khumalo

Third on the list, we turn our reflection to the legendary singer Winnie Khumalo, who passed away earlier this year on 7 January 2025 at the age of 51, following a short illness. Her passing marked a profound loss for South Africa’s music industry and for the many lives her voice had touched.

Khumalo built a powerful legacy as a Kwaito and Afropop star, an actress, and a former backing vocalist for the late Brenda Fassie.

She was best known for timeless hits such as Live My Life, Kulezontaba, and Loluthando, among many others that continue to live on in playlists, memories, and dance floors across generations.

Through her music, Winnie Khumalo told stories that resonated deeply, creating songs that transcended age and time — tracks that made the young and the old dance freely, anywhere, anytime, and without restraint. Her voice remains a celebration of joy, resilience, and the enduring power of South African music.

4. Nandi Nyembe

Fourth on our list, we reflect on the life and legacy of legendary actress Nandi Nyembe, who passed away on 23 August 2025 at the age of 75 following health complications. Her passing left a profound sense of loss across the industry and beyond.

Affectionately known as Mam Nandi, she was one of South Africa’s most celebrated actors, revered for her ability to bring real-life stories to the screen with honesty, depth, and grace. Her performances in iconic productions such as Izoso Connextion, Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, and Soul City remain etched in the country’s cultural memory.

Through her unwavering dedication to telling African stories on stage and screen, Mam Nandi helped shape narratives that reflected the lived experiences of many. She left behind an enduring legacy of storytelling — one that cannot be erased, and will continue to educate, inspire, and resonate for generations to come.

5. Don Eric Nawa

Last but not least, we close our reflection with the legendary actor Don Eric Nawa, who passed away on 16 April 2025 at the age of 65 after battling prostate cancer. His passing marked the loss of yet another pillar of South African television and storytelling.

He was best known for his iconic role as Laqhasha on Sgudi Snaysi, a performance that remains deeply etched in the memories of many South Africans. His career also spanned several acclaimed productions, including Hlala Kwabafileyo, Isidingo, and The Throne, among others.

Like the acting legends we remembered before him, Don Eric left behind a powerful legacy of storytelling. He will be remembered as a cultural icon — a dedicated and passionate artist whose work helped shape South African television and whose influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

May the souls of these legendary icons rest in eternal peace.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS ONE?: WATCH: Rachel Kolisi reacts to massive fan support for her powerful new documentary ‘Falling Forward’