Pathetic Facts

South African musicians died when they were 47

Here are 12 famous musicians from South Africa died at 47:

Henry Williams

Henry Williams (June 11, 1967 South Africa-April 5, 2015) was a South African personality.

He was known for his work as a television presenter and radio host, having worked for several popular radio stations and TV channels in South Africa. Williams was also actively involved in social and community work, especially for the underprivileged youth in the country. In addition, he was a talented musician and was part of a band that performed in various events across the country. Williams was highly regarded in the entertainment industry and was recognized for his contributions with several awards during his career. However, his sudden death in April 2015 left many fans and colleagues in shock and mourning.

Despite his career in entertainment, Williams was also a devoted family man. He was married and had children whom he cherished deeply. Williams' dedication to his family was evident in his personal life as he frequently spoke about them in interviews and on social media. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, reading books, and playing sports. Williams was also a philanthropist and gave back to his community through various projects and initiatives. One of his notable contributions was the establishment of a foundation that aimed to support the education and development of disadvantaged children in South Africa. His legacy continues to inspire many in the entertainment industry and beyond.

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Louis Washkansky

Louis Washkansky (April 5, 2015 Lithuania-December 21, 1967 Cape Town) was a South African personality.

Louis Washkansky made history on December 3, 1967, when he became the first human to receive a heart transplant, performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. Washkansky had suffered from debilitating heart disease for years and the groundbreaking surgery was his only chance at survival. Although Washkansky initially seemed to be doing well after the transplant, his weakened immune system ultimately led to pneumonia, which he could not overcome. Nevertheless, his surgery paved the way for future heart transplants and helped make South Africa a leader in the field of medical research.

Louis Washkansky was born in Lithuania in 1913 and moved to South Africa with his family as a child. Prior to his heart transplant, he worked as a businessman and had a wife and children. Washkansky's groundbreaking surgery helped propel Dr. Christiaan Barnard into worldwide fame and made him an instant celebrity. The operation was highly controversial at the time and sparked ethical debates surrounding the transplant of human organs. In the years following Washkansky's surgery, medical advancements continued to improve the success rate of heart transplants, leading to more patients being able to benefit from this life-saving procedure. Today, heart transplants are a well-established treatment for certain conditions, with thousands of successful operations performed each year. Despite his tragic end, Louis Washkansky's contribution to the field of medicine and the advancements he helped make possible have had a lasting impact on the world.

He died in pneumonia.

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Willem Cornelis Janse van Rensburg

Willem Cornelis Janse van Rensburg (May 16, 1818 South Africa-July 13, 1865 Rustenburg) was a South African personality.

He was a Voortrekker leader and played a significant role in the history of the Transvaal. Janse van Rensburg initially opposed the British annexation of the Transvaal in 1877, which led to the First Boer War in 1880. He was known for his skills as a farmer and a hunter and was highly respected among the Boer community. He was also a devout Christian and played an important role in the establishment of the Gereformeerde Kerk in South Africa. Janse van Rensburg had several wives and many children, some of whom also played important roles in South African history. His legacy lives on and he is remembered as a hero and pioneer of the Afrikaner people.

Willem Cornelis Janse van Rensburg was born as the son of a wealthy landowner in the Swartkoppies area of South Africa. He began his career as a farmer and quickly became known for his expertise in animal husbandry and agriculture. As a result of his knowledge and reputation, he became a leader among the Voortrekkers, who were a group of people who migrated from the Cape Colony to escape British colonial rule.

During the Great Trek of the 1830s and 40s, Janse van Rensburg played a crucial role in the establishment of a number of Boer settlements in the Transvaal. He was involved in the founding of Rustenburg, Potchefstroom, and Heidelberg, which remain important towns to this day.

Janse van Rensburg was involved in the negotiations between the Transvaal and Britain, which led to the Sand River Convention in 1852. This established the independence of the Transvaal and recognized the Boers as the rightful owners of the land.

In addition to his political and agricultural activities, Janse van Rensburg was also deeply religious. He was a founding member of the Gereformeerde Kerk, the Reformed Church, in South Africa, and was later ordained as a minister.

Janse van Rensburg died in 1865 at the age of 47. Today, he is remembered as one of the great pioneer figures of South African history, known for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his people and his faith.

Gordon Hodgson

Gordon Hodgson (April 16, 1904 Transvaal Province-June 14, 1951 Stoke-on-Trent) was a South African personality.

Gordon Hodgson was a prominent football player who represented both South Africa and England in international matches. He was known for his exceptional heading ability and goal-scoring skills. At the club level, he played for various teams, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Portsmouth, where he helped his teams win several titles. After his playing career, Hodgson became a coach and managed teams such as Port Vale and non-league club Moor Green. Despite his short life, Hodgson's legacy in football is still remembered today.

In addition to his success as a football player and coach, Gordon Hodgson also had a career as a cricketer. He played for Transvaal in South Africa and Staffordshire in England as a medium-fast bowler. He even played in two first-class cricket matches for Transvaal in the 1924-25 Currie Cup. Outside of sport, Hodgson briefly served in the South African Army during World War II. He was also a skilled motorcyclist and took part in racing events. Hodgson's impact on football was recognized in 2009 when he was posthumously inducted into the Liverpool FC Hall of Fame.

He died in cancer.

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William Wellington Gqoba

William Wellington Gqoba (August 1, 1840 South Africa-April 26, 1888 Lovedale) was a South African journalist.

He is known for being one of the first black South Africans to receive a university education, having attended the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Upon his return to South Africa, Gqoba became a newspaper editor and writer, advocating for the rights of black South Africans during a time of increasing racial tension and segregation. He also published a number of works on Xhosa history and literature, including a groundbreaking anthology of Xhosa poetry. Ultimately, he was dismissed from his position as editor due to his political views and had to rely on selling fruit and vegetables to support his family. Despite his difficult circumstances, Gqoba continued to write and inspire future generations of African writers and activists.

Late in life, Gqoba was ordained as the first black Presbyterian minister in South Africa, becoming a prominent religious leader and community organizer. He played a central role in establishing the Presbyterian Church in the Eastern Cape and advocated for the church to take a more active role in social and political issues. Gqoba's contributions to South African literature and journalism have earned him a lasting reputation as an important and influential figure in the country's history. In recent years, his work has been rediscovered and celebrated by scholars and readers interested in the rich cultural heritage of Africa.

Todd Matshikiza

Todd Matshikiza (April 5, 2015 South Africa-April 5, 1968) otherwise known as Todd Tozama Matshikiza was a South African journalist, writer, jazz pianist and composer. He had one child, John Matshikiza.

Matshikiza is perhaps best known for his work as a composer, having written the score for the critically acclaimed South African musical "King Kong". He was also a renowned journalist, having contributed to several South African publications such as Drum magazine and Golden City Post. Matshikiza fled South Africa in the 1960s due to the country's oppressive apartheid regime and settled in London, where he continued to work as a writer and composer. He died on his 53rd birthday in 1968. Matshikiza's contributions to South African culture have been recognized posthumously, and he continues to be celebrated as a pioneer of African jazz and musical theatre.

In addition to his work on "King Kong", Matshikiza composed music for other stage productions, as well as for radio and film. He also recorded several albums as a jazz pianist, including "The Township Jazz Festival" and "Jazz Epistle Verse 1", which he recorded with the group Jazz Epistles. In his writing, Matshikiza often highlighted the struggles and injustices faced by black South Africans under apartheid, and was an outspoken critic of the regime. His memoir "Chocolates for My Wife" was published posthumously in 1990, and provides a vivid account of his experiences as a musician and journalist in South Africa and in exile in London. Matshikiza's legacy has been celebrated in many ways, and the annual "King Kong Legacy Festival" in South Africa is one event that commemorates his contributions to South African music and culture.

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Thomas François Burgers

Thomas François Burgers (April 15, 1834 Graaff-Reinet-December 9, 1881 Richmond, Northern Cape) was a South African personality.

He was a theologian, missionary, journalist, and politician who served as the fourth president of the South African Republic from 1872 to 1877. Burgers was instrumental in introducing modern technology and industry to the South African Republic, including the construction of a telegraph line and the establishment of the first railway connection between Pretoria and Johannesburg. His presidency was also marked by conflicts with neighboring indigenous tribes, and ultimately he was forced to resign due to financial mismanagement and unpopular policies. After his resignation, Burgers became a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church and died at the age of 47. Despite his relatively short presidency, Burgers remained an important figure in South African history and is remembered for his efforts to modernize the country.

Burgers was born into a family of French Huguenot descent and grew up in a religious household. He graduated from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands with a degree in theology in 1858, and returned to South Africa to pursue missionary work. After serving as a pastor in Graaff-Reinet and Cape Town, he began a career in journalism and founded the Cape Monthly Magazine, which aimed to promote South African culture and literature.

In 1872, Burgers was elected as the president of the South African Republic, also known as the Transvaal Republic. During his presidency, he sought to modernize the country and attract foreign investment by promoting mining and agriculture. He also encouraged the immigration of skilled laborers and established technical schools to train the local workforce.

However, Burgers' presidency was plagued by financial difficulties and conflicts with neighboring indigenous tribes, including the Zulus and the Pedi. He also faced opposition from conservative Boers who opposed his modernizing policies and his interest in establishing closer ties with the British Empire. In 1877, the South African Republic was annexed by the British, and Burgers resigned from his post.

After his resignation, Burgers returned to church ministry and wrote several books on theology and philosophy. He also continued to advocate for the modernization of South Africa and urged the government to invest in education and infrastructure. Burgers fell ill with pneumonia and died in 1881 at the age of 47. Despite the controversy surrounding his presidency, he was respected for his vision and dedication to improving the lives of South Africans.

Deon van der Walt

Deon van der Walt (July 28, 1958 Cape Town-November 29, 2005) was a South African personality.

Deon van der Walt was a renowned operatic tenor who achieved worldwide recognition for his exceptional talent. He received his musical education at the University of Cape Town and the Juilliard School in New York. He made his operatic debut in Frankfurt, Germany in 1985 and went on to perform in some of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Paris Opera.

Van der Walt was renowned for his interpretation of Mozart and was widely regarded as one of the greatest Mozart tenors of his generation. He also had a particular affinity for the music of Richard Strauss and performed many of his operatic works.

Despite his success as a performer, van der Walt was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He was deeply committed to helping young musicians and was involved in numerous initiatives to support music education in South Africa.

Van der Walt's tragic death at the age of 47 stunned the music world and left a void that has yet to be filled.

Van der Walt's legacy continues to live on, however, as his many recordings and performances continue to be celebrated and admired by music lovers around the world. His contributions to the world of opera were vast, including his work with the Cape Town Opera Company and his frequent appearances at festivals and concerts throughout Europe and the United States. Van der Walt was also a committed teacher and mentor, and his influence on students and young musicians has been widely recognized. In his memory, a scholarship was established in his name to support promising young tenors in South Africa. Despite his untimely death, Deon van der Walt remains an inspiration to many, a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring legacy of those who dedicate their lives to it.

He died as a result of firearm.

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Surendran Reddy

Surendran Reddy (March 9, 1962 Durban-January 22, 2010 Konstanz) was a South African personality.

His albums: Reddy, Steady, Go!.

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Nigel Green

Nigel Green (October 15, 1924 Pretoria-May 15, 1972 Brighton) a.k.a. Nigel Greene was a South African actor.

He started his acting career in the late 1940s in South Africa before moving to England in the 1950s, where he made a name for himself as a character actor in films such as "Jason and the Argonauts" (1963), "Zulu" (1964), and "The Ipcress File" (1965). He was known for his commanding screen presence and his ability to play both heroes and villains with equal skill.

Despite his success in film, Green also worked extensively in theatre, appearing in productions of "Othello," "Hamlet," and "Richard III" among others. He was a founding member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and played a vital role in its early years.

Tragically, Green died of a heart attack in 1972 at the age of 47. Despite his relatively brief career, he left a lasting impression on the world of film and theatre and continues to be remembered as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Green was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and grew up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). During World War II, he served in the Royal Navy and later worked as a teacher before pursuing his passion for acting. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Green was also a talented writer and director. He wrote several plays and directed productions of "Hamlet" and "The Merchant of Venice" among others.

Green was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on challenging roles. He was often cast as a tough, no-nonsense character, but he could also play more complex roles that required greater emotional range. His performance as the villainous Rochefort in "The Three Musketeers" (1973) is considered one of his best.

Despite his success, Green was a private person who shied away from the spotlight. He was married to actress Patricia Marmont and had two children, but little is known about his personal life beyond that. Green's legacy lives on through his powerful performances and his contributions to the world of theatre and film.

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Frank Fenter

Frank Fenter (February 25, 1936 Johannesburg-July 21, 1983 Macon) was a South African record producer, talent manager, actor and music executive.

Genres: British rock, Rhythm and blues and Southern rock.

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Gert van den Bergh

Gert van den Bergh (October 16, 1920 Johannesburg-February 16, 1968 Cape Town) a.k.a. Gert Van der Berg or Gert Van den Bergh was a South African actor and voice actor. He had one child, Regardt van den Bergh.

He began his acting career in 1948 with the role of Hendrick in the film "Oupa se wals" and went on to appear in more than 60 films in South Africa and internationally, including "Zulu", "The Naked Prey", and "Checkpoint". Van den Bergh was known for his tough-guy roles and often portrayed villains in his films. In addition to his acting work, he also lent his voice to several films and television shows, including the Afrikaans dub of "The Flintstones" and the role of Colonel Gumm in the TV series "Batman". Van den Bergh was a decorated World War II veteran, having served with the South African Air Force, and later joined the South African Secret Service during the apartheid era. He died of a heart attack at the age of 47 in Cape Town.

Despite his limited formal training, Gert van den Bergh was widely regarded as one of South Africa's most talented actors of his time. He won several awards for his performances, including the Best Actor award at the South African Film and Television Awards in 1968, posthumously. Van den Bergh was also a successful businessman, running a popular nightclub in Johannesburg called "Gert's". In his personal life, Van den Bergh was known to be a hard-drinking womanizer with a talent for playing the piano. He was married and divorced twice before his death and had a reputation as a flamboyant and charismatic figure. Despite his controversial persona, Van den Bergh was beloved by many for his contributions to South African cinema and remains a legendary figure in the country's entertainment industry.

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