There has been an outpouring of grief in South Africa as news of the death of iconic actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards spread.
The 66-year-old legend passed away at a guesthouse in Cape Town on Monday.
Shaleen was in Cape Town to work on local soapie Arendsvlei which she had recently joined for the role of Muriel Foster.
Her publicist Gavin Wildschutt-Prins confirmed her death, denying speculation that she had committed suicide: “Shaleen, commonly known as ’Nenna’ in Egoli, was found dead in her guesthouse in Cape Town where she was staying while filming on the TV series Arendsvlei.
“It is common knowledge that she suffered from diabetes and heart problems. Her death might be related to this but the family awaits an autopsy as to the cause of death.
“All kinds of rumours are flying around as to the cause of death which is why would like to emphasise that Ms. Surtie-Richards did not commit suicide.”
In a statement, the Arendsvlei publicist confirmed: “She finished shooting with us on Thursday and decided to stay on to spend time with family.”
Entertainer Alistair Izobel, who has been appointed as the family spokesman, also confirmed her death and said: “We have lost a sister, an aunt, a cousin and a niece and we are trying to process to come to terms and to still our broken hearts.
“We understand that she was not only in our hearts but in the hearts of this great nation...and we thank you for your love, support and respect as we prepare for her final curtain call.”
Shaleen rose to stardom following her iconic title role in the film Fiela se Kind, which paved the way for many other coloured actors in the industry.
She also won over the nation in the long-running M-Net soapie Egoli: Place of Gold as the loveable Ester “Nenna” Willemse.
Hailing from Upington in the Northern Cape, Shaleen was divorced with no children.
The talented actress also performed in various plays, including the one-woman Shirley Valentine, for which she won a Fleur du Cap award.
Despite her sterling work in TV and theatre, the extraordinary actress fell on hard times in recent years, and was open about her dire financial situation in recent media interviews.
Local actors took to social media to express their shock and condolences.
Suidooster star Jill Levenberg wrote: “Thank you for all that you came to do here... you will always be a legend and a Queen in my heart and to South Africa. Love you always. Rus sag mamma.”
Actress Euodia Samson wrote: “For some reasons, you saw me as a daughter to confide in. Ons Sal jou verskriklik mis. Shaleen Surtie Richards you paved the way for us brown actresses…”
The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, said in a statement: “She faced many difficulties as a young actor who started her career in the apartheid era, but whose love for her craft drove her to rise above all the obstacles in her path.
“Her talent and commitment to acting were clear in all that she did and she was beloved by the people of South Africa for the warm and endearing characters she brought to life on our screens and stages.”