Pathetic Facts

South African musicians died when they were 29

Here are 6 famous musicians from South Africa died at 29:

Sabata Jonguhlanga Dalindyebo

Sabata Jonguhlanga Dalindyebo (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1986) was a South African personality.

Sabata Jonguhlanga Dalindyebo was a paramount chief of the Thembu people in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. He was born on April 5, 1915, in the village of Nkululeko, Tembuland. He succeeded his father as the paramount chief in 1937 and served as a leader of his people during the difficult times of apartheid.

Dalindyebo was a controversial figure, and his political activities often landed him in trouble with the authorities. He was arrested and imprisoned several times for his opposition to apartheid, including for leading protests against the forced removal of his people from their land.

Despite his turbulent life, Dalindyebo was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to his people. He was known for his efforts to promote education and sustainable development in his community, and he played a key role in the establishment of the University of Transkei.

Dalindyebo passed away on April 5, 1986, on his 71st birthday. He left behind a legacy as a fearless leader who fought for the rights of his people and worked to create a better future for all South Africans.

During his leadership, Sabata Jonguhlanga Dalindyebo was involved with various political groups, including the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). He was also a prominent opponent of the Bantu Authorities Act, which aimed to create separate self-governing homelands for various tribal groups in South Africa. In 1959, he led a delegation to London to protest against the act but was unsuccessful in his efforts.

However, Dalindyebo's efforts did not go unnoticed, and he received several awards and honors, including the Order of Luthuli from the South African government in 2004. He was also posthumously awarded the Order of Mendi for Bravery in 2015, on what would have been his 100th birthday.

Today, Sabata Jonguhlanga Dalindyebo is remembered as a prominent figure in South African history and a symbol of resistance against apartheid. In 2015, a statue was erected in his honor in Mthatha, the capital of the Eastern Cape province. His legacy continues to inspire generations of South Africans to fight for equality and justice.

In addition to his political activities, Sabata Jonguhlanga Dalindyebo was also a traditional leader who maintained the customs and values of the Thembu people. He was known for his strong belief in the importance of education and encouraged young people to pursue their studies. Under his leadership, several schools were established in the Thembu region, and he played a key role in the establishment of the University of Transkei. He also worked to improve the economic conditions of his people and supported sustainable development projects.

Despite facing many obstacles, Dalindyebo remained committed to his principles and remained a symbol of resistance against apartheid until his death. He left behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of South Africans in the fight for equality and justice. He is remembered as a fearless leader who fought tirelessly for the rights of his people and played a significant role in the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

Potlako Leballo

Potlako Leballo (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1986) was a South African personality.

Potlako Leballo was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. He was born on April 5, 1915, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Leballo was one of the founders of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), a political party that aimed to fight for the rights of black South Africans.

In the early 1950s, Leballo became involved in political activism and was a member of the African National Congress (ANC). However, he later left the party due to his disagreement with their non-violent approach. In 1959, he joined forces with Robert Sobukwe and others to form the PAC, which advocated for a more militant approach to ending apartheid.

Leballo was an effective public speaker and mobilizer, and he played a key role in organizing the anti-pass campaign of 1960, in which black South Africans protested against the discriminatory pass laws. He was also involved in the formation of the PAC's military wing, the Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA), which carried out various acts of sabotage against the apartheid government.

Leballo died on his 71st birthday, April 5, 1986, in Zimbabwe, where he had been living in exile. He is remembered as one of the leading figures in the struggle against apartheid and a key founder of the PAC.

In addition to his political activities, Potlako Leballo was also a journalist and writer. He worked as a journalist for various publications, including the "Golden City Post" and "Bantu World". Leballo also authored several articles and essays on the struggle against apartheid, including "The Road to Rome", which was published in the PAC's journal, "The Africanist". He was known for his sharp criticism of the South African government and his unwavering commitment to the cause of black liberation. Leballo's legacy continues to inspire activists and scholars in South Africa and around the world.

Potlako Leballo's early life was marked by struggle and discrimination, as he experienced firsthand the effects of apartheid in South Africa. He grew up in Soweto, a township that was designated for black residents, and attended school under the inferior Bantu education system, which was designed to limit educational opportunities for black students.

Despite these challenges, Leballo was a gifted student and excelled academically. He went on to study at the University of Fort Hare, where he became involved in student activism and joined the ANC. After completing his studies, he worked briefly as a teacher before devoting himself full-time to the anti-apartheid struggle.

Leballo's dedication and commitment to the cause were unwavering, even as he faced persecution and arrest by the apartheid authorities. He was imprisoned several times, including for his role in organizing the anti-pass campaign of 1960, and was forced to go into hiding to avoid arrest.

Despite the challenges he faced, Leballo remained hopeful and optimistic about the future of South Africa. He believed that through activism and collective action, black South Africans could achieve true freedom and equality.

Today, Leballo's legacy as a tireless activist and fearless leader lives on, and his contribution to the struggle against apartheid continues to inspire new generations of South Africans to fight for justice and equality.

Read more about Potlako Leballo on Wikipedia »

Lebo Mathosa

Lebo Mathosa (April 5, 1977-October 23, 2006 Johannesburg) was a South African singer.

Her albums: Dream and I Love Music. Genres she performed include Kwaito and Hip hop music.

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John Nyathi Pokela

John Nyathi Pokela (April 5, 2015 Herschel, Eastern Cape-June 30, 1985 Parirenyatwa Hospital) was a South African politician.

He was a leading member of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) and played a key role in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Pokela was involved in the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960 and was one of the leaders of the PAC's military wing, Poqo, which was responsible for several attacks on white civilians during the 1960s. He was imprisoned on Robben Island for his political activities from 1964 to 1972. After his release, Pokela continued to work for the PAC, advocating for the rights of Black people in South Africa. In 1981, he was forced into exile in Zimbabwe, where he remained until his death in 1985.

During his time in Zimbabwe, Pokela worked closely with the ZANU-PF government and contributed to the establishment of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA). He also served as the PAC's representative in Zimbabwe and played a key role in strengthening the ties between the PAC and the Zimbabwean government.

In addition to his political activism, Pokela was an accomplished writer and poet. He authored the book "The Warrior," which chronicles his experiences in the anti-apartheid struggle, and his poetry was published in several collections. Pokela's legacy continues to inspire generations of activists in South Africa and beyond. In 2012, the University of Fort Hare established the John Nyathi Pokela Chair in African Philosophy in his honor.

In his early years, John Nyathi Pokela attended a missionary school before moving to Port Elizabeth to work as a clerk. However, he soon became involved in political activism, joining the PAC in the early 1960s. Along with other PAC members, Pokela advocated for a more militant approach to the anti-apartheid struggle, which led to the formation of Poqo. Despite his involvement in violent attacks, Pokela also believed in non-violent forms of protest, and was known for his charismatic leadership style.

During his time on Robben Island, Pokela became known for his commitment to education, and started teaching his fellow prisoners. After his release, he continued to prioritize education, and worked to establish schools and literacy programs in Black communities in South Africa.

Pokela's contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle were not limited to South Africa. He played a key role in building solidarity between the PAC and other liberation movements in Africa, including the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa and the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in Zimbabwe. His work in Zimbabwe was especially significant, as it helped forge strong ties between the PAC and the Zimbabwean government.

In addition to his political and educational activism, Pokela was also a talented writer and poet. His poetry explored themes of Black identity, resistance, and liberation, and is still celebrated in South Africa today.

Despite his early involvement in violent resistance, Pokela's legacy as a leader and advocate for Black liberation remains an important part of South Africa's history. The John Nyathi Pokela Chair in African Philosophy serves as a reminder of his contributions to the struggle against apartheid, as well as his dedication to education and African culture.

Read more about John Nyathi Pokela on Wikipedia »

Reeva Steenkamp

Reeva Steenkamp (August 19, 1983 Cape Town-February 14, 2013 Pretoria) was a South African model and paralegal.

Steenkamp rose to fame through her modeling career, having been featured in several high-profile campaigns and in magazines such as FHM and Avon. She also worked as a paralegal, having graduated with a law degree from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. However, her life was tragically cut short on Valentine's Day 2013 when she was shot and killed by her boyfriend, Olympic and Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius. The incident sparked a global media frenzy and brought attention to the issue of domestic violence in South Africa. In the aftermath of her death, Steenkamp's family has been dedicated to fighting for justice and raising awareness on this important issue.

Steenkamp's death led to a highly publicized trial, where Pistorius claimed that he had mistaken her for an intruder and shot her out of self-defense. However, evidence presented in court suggested that the shooting was premeditated, and Pistorius was found guilty of murder in 2015. He was sentenced to six years in prison, but this was increased to 13 years on appeal in 2017.

Steenkamp's legacy lives on through the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, which was established by her parents to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support to victims. The foundation also advocates for stricter gun control laws and trains law students and legal professionals to handle cases of domestic violence with sensitivity and empathy. Steenkamp's death continues to serve as a stark reminder of the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for greater accountability for perpetrators.

Steenkamp's death had a significant impact on the South African public, and her life has since been the subject of several books, documentaries, and feature films. Many have praised her family's bravery and resilience in the face of such tragedy, as they have tirelessly fought for justice and used their platform to advocate for social change. Steenkamp's modeling career and passion for law continue to inspire young women in South Africa and beyond, and her legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against domestic violence and working towards a safer, more equitable society.

She died in gunshot.

Read more about Reeva Steenkamp on Wikipedia »

Tommy Thompson

Tommy Thompson (October 4, 1886-June 20, 1916 German East Africa) a.k.a. Gerald W. Thompson or Tommy was a South African rugby player and soldier.

He was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and began his rugby career playing for the local team. He later played for the South African national rugby team, commonly known as the Springboks, and was part of the team that toured Britain in 1912-13.

When World War I began, Thompson enlisted in the British army and was sent to German East Africa (modern day Tanzania) as part of the East African Campaign. He took part in several battles and was eventually promoted to captain.

In June 1916, Thompson was leading a patrol when they were ambushed by German forces. He was shot and died from his wounds, becoming one of the only Springbok rugby players to die in World War I. Thompson is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice, and is honored with a memorial at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa.

Thompson's rugby career was cut short due to his enlistment in the army, but he made a significant impact in the sport during his time as a player. He was known for his strong leadership skills on and off the field, which helped him earn the captaincy of the South African team during the 1912-13 tour of Britain. He played in six out of the eight games on the tour, famously leading his team to a 9-3 victory over Wales.

After his death, Thompson received several posthumous honors for his service and sacrifice. In addition to the memorial at the Union Buildings, his name is also inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium, which commemorates soldiers who went missing or were killed in battles in the Ypres Salient during World War I. In South Africa, a rugby tournament called the Thompson Cup was established in his honor and continues to be held annually.

Thompson's legacy extends beyond rugby and military service. He was also a talented engineer and inventor. In his spare time, he worked on designing and improving rifles and ammunition for the British army. His expertise in this field contributed to his success as a soldier and captain in the East African Campaign. Thompson was also an advocate for physical fitness and health, and believed that these were crucial elements for success on the rugby field and in life. He wrote several articles for sports magazines, sharing his insights and training advice. Thompson's dedication to rugby, military service, innovation, and fitness continue to inspire people today.

Read more about Tommy Thompson on Wikipedia »