South African musicians died when they were 53
Here are 17 famous musicians from South Africa died at 53:
Adolph Malan
Adolph Malan (March 24, 1910 Wellington-September 17, 1963) also known as Adolph Gysbert "Sailor" Malan was a South African personality.
He was a highly decorated fighter pilot who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Malan was renowned for his skill in aerial combat and tactics, and developed the "finger-four" formation, which became a standard tactic used by the RAF. After the war, he became an outspoken opponent of apartheid and racism in South Africa, and spent the rest of his life advocating for social justice and equality. Malan's legacy as a military hero and anti-apartheid activist has made him a highly respected figure in South African history.
Read more about Adolph Malan on Wikipedia »
Bevil Rudd
Bevil Rudd (October 5, 1894 Kimberley, Northern Cape-February 2, 1948 Kimberley, Northern Cape) also known as Bevil Gordon D Rudd was a South African journalist.
Rudd was a prominent figure in the South African media industry, serving as the editor of several newspapers and magazines throughout his career. He was particularly known for his coverage of World War II, having been stationed in various war zones across Europe and Africa as a correspondent for the South African Press Association.
In addition to his journalistic work, Rudd was also a talented sportsman. He competed in the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics as a member of the South African track and field team, winning a gold medal in the 400-meter event in the latter games.
Rudd's legacy continues to be celebrated in South Africa, with several schools and sports clubs being named in his honor.
Read more about Bevil Rudd on Wikipedia »
Alfred Beit
Alfred Beit (February 15, 1853 Hamburg-July 16, 1906 Welwyn) was a South African personality.
Born to a Jewish family, Alfred Beit emigrated from Germany to South Africa with his mother and two brothers at the age of 16. He began his career in diamonds by working as a clerk in a diamond company in Kimberley. However, it was his association with Cecil Rhodes, the founder of De Beers, and the discovery of two of the world's largest diamond mines that made him one of the wealthiest men in the world.
Beit used his immense wealth to finance major mining and railway projects in southern Africa, including the construction of a railway line from the coast of Mozambique to the Rhodesia mines. In addition to his business interests, Beit was also an important philanthropist and contributed significantly to the development of education and African art.
At the time of his death, Beit was one of the richest men in the world and had been knighted by Queen Victoria for his philanthropy. Today, he is remembered for his contributions to the development of southern Africa's economy and infrastructure, as well as for his extensive collection of African art, which was bequeathed to the British Museum upon his death.
Read more about Alfred Beit on Wikipedia »
Fred Smith
Fred Smith (March 31, 1861-April 17, 1914) was a South African personality.
He is best known for his role as the founder and first editor of The Natal Mercury, a leading newspaper in South Africa. Smith was born in England but moved to South Africa as a young man. He worked as a journalist and became known for his incisive writing and commentary on political and social issues of his time. In 1906, he founded The Natal Mercury, which quickly became a popular and influential newspaper in the region. Smith was committed to journalistic ethics and believed in the importance of a free and independent press. He was also a philanthropist and supported various charitable causes in his community. Smith died in 1914 at the age of 53.
Read more about Fred Smith on Wikipedia »
Charles Fichardt
Charles Fichardt (March 20, 1870 South Africa-May 30, 1923) was a South African personality.
He is best known for his involvement in the Anglo-Boer War, where he served as a Boer soldier. After the war, Fichardt became involved in politics and was a vocal advocate for the rights of Afrikaners in South Africa. He served as a member of parliament for the Orange Free State and the Transvaal colonies, and later as the chairman of the National Party. Fichardt was also a successful businessman, owning a number of farms and businesses across South Africa. He was known for his philanthropy and was involved in many charitable causes. Fichardt died in 1923 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in South African history.
Read more about Charles Fichardt on Wikipedia »
Damian D'Oliveira
Damian D'Oliveira (October 19, 1960-June 29, 2014) was a South African personality. His child is called Brett D'Oliveira.
Damian D'Oliveira was a prominent South African cricket player and administrator. He played cricket professionally for Western Province and Worcestershire in the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to his playing career, D'Oliveira was a respected coach and manager, and served as the director of cricket for Worcestershire at the time of his death.
D'Oliveira's father, Basil D'Oliveira, was also a prominent cricketer and played a key role in breaking down the apartheid-era sports boycotts against South Africa. Damian D'Oliveira followed in his father's footsteps, both on and off the field, and was a passionate advocate for the sport in his home country.
D'Oliveira was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and passed away the following year at the age of 53. He is remembered as a beloved figure in the world of cricket, and his legacy lives on through his family and his contributions to the sport.
He died caused by cancer.
Read more about Damian D'Oliveira on Wikipedia »
Charles Hefferon
Charles Hefferon (January 25, 1878 Berkshire-March 15, 1931) also known as Charles A. Hefferon was a South African personality.
He was born in Berkshire, England and later moved to South Africa where he became a prominent figure in the country's entertainment industry. He was known for his work as a stage actor, director, and producer, and was a pioneer in the South African theatre scene.
During his career, Hefferon worked with some of the biggest names in South African theatre and helped to establish a number of successful theatre companies. He was also a highly regarded acting coach and trained many aspiring actors who went on to enjoy successful careers in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his work in theatre, Hefferon was also involved in the film industry, and acted in a number of South African films. He was also credited with helping to establish the South African Actors' Association, which has since become an important institution in the country's entertainment industry.
Despite his many achievements, Hefferon died at a relatively young age of 53, due to complications arising from pneumonia. Nevertheless, his contributions to the South African theatre and entertainment industries have continued to be celebrated, and he is remembered as one of the country's most important cultural figures.
Read more about Charles Hefferon on Wikipedia »
Harry Isaacs
Harry Isaacs (January 26, 1908-September 13, 1961) was a South African personality.
He is best known for his work as a radio broadcaster and announcer for South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Isaacs was also a prominent figure in the world of boxing as a match announcer, and he famously announced the first boxing match between Nelson Mandela and Jerry Moloi in 1950.
Isaacs was born in Cape Town, South Africa, to a Jewish family. He began his career in radio in 1936 as a presenter for the SABC's English Service. He then went on to present programs in Afrikaans and in African languages, which helped establish him as a voice for the diverse communities in South Africa.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, Isaacs was an accomplished sportsman and played cricket and soccer at a competitive level. He was also a talented musician and played the piano professionally.
Despite his success, Isaacs faced discrimination as a Jewish person living under apartheid in South Africa. He was not allowed to purchase property in certain areas, and had limited job opportunities due to his race and religion.
Harry Isaacs died at the age of 53 from cancer. He left behind a legacy as a pioneering broadcaster and announcer who helped shape the cultural landscape of South Africa.
Read more about Harry Isaacs on Wikipedia »
Samora Machel
Samora Machel (September 29, 1933 Gaza Province-October 19, 1986 Mbuzini) also known as Samora Moises Machel was a South African politician. His children are called Josina Z. Machel, Malengani Machel, Joscelina Machel, Idelson Machel, Olívia Machel, N’tewane Machel and Samito Machel.
Samora Machel was a Mozambican revolutionary and politician who fought for the independence of Mozambique from Portuguese colonial rule. He served as the country's first president from 1975 until his death in 1986. Machel had a military background and led the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) in their struggle for independence. He was a strong advocate for socialism, nationalizing industries and promoting comprehensive land reform throughout Mozambique. Machel's death remains controversial, as it occurred in a plane crash in South Africa and some believe it may have been an assassination. Despite his untimely death, Machel's legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a hero and a leader who fought tirelessly for the freedom and prosperity of his people.
He died caused by aviation accident or incident.
Read more about Samora Machel on Wikipedia »
Robert Sobukwe
Robert Sobukwe (December 5, 1924 Graaff-Reinet-February 27, 1978 Kimberley, Northern Cape) was a South African personality.
He was a political activist who played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Sobukwe was a founder and first president of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), a political party that advocated for the rights and interests of black South Africans. He was known for his staunch opposition to apartheid and his belief in African nationalism. Sobukwe was arrested for his activism multiple times and was eventually placed under house arrest for several years. Despite this, he continue to be an influential figure in the anti-apartheid movement until his death in 1978.
Read more about Robert Sobukwe on Wikipedia »
Colin Winter
Colin Winter (October 10, 1928 Stoke-on-Trent-November 17, 1981) was a South African personality.
He was an actor, comedian, and a popular radio host in South Africa. Winter began his career in England as a stand-up comedian, and eventually moved to South Africa in the early 1950s. He rapidly gained popularity through his appearances on radio and television shows, where he showcased his unique humor and talent for entertaining audiences. Winter was best known for his role in the popular South African radio soap opera, "The Villagers", where he played the character of "Uncle Jim". Winter also hosted the popular radio show, "The Sunday Show", which featured music, interviews, and a variety of entertainment. He passed away in 1981 due to a heart attack.
Read more about Colin Winter on Wikipedia »
Salty du Rand
Salty du Rand (January 16, 1926 South Africa-April 5, 1979) was a South African personality.
Salty du Rand was best known for his work as an actor, comedian, and musician. He was a popular performer on stage, television, and radio, often combining these mediums in his work. Du Rand was also an accomplished songwriter and released numerous albums throughout his career. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he was also a successful businessman, owning a number of properties and businesses in South Africa. Du Rand's legacy has endured long after his death, with his music and comedy still being celebrated by fans of all ages.
Read more about Salty du Rand on Wikipedia »
Ernest Eustice
Ernest Eustice (November 30, 1904-March 30, 1958) was a South African personality.
He was an entrepreneur and a philanthropist who made a significant impact on South African society during his lifetime. Ernest Eustice was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and was raised in a poor family. Despite the odds, he went on to become a successful businessman who pioneered several industries in the country.
Eustice was known for his generosity, and he donated much of his wealth to various charities and educational institutions. He was also a vocal opponent of apartheid and contributed to the struggle against it in many ways. His legacy lives on to this day, and he is remembered as a symbol of hope and progress for South Africans of all backgrounds.
Read more about Ernest Eustice on Wikipedia »
John Matshikiza
John Matshikiza (November 26, 1954 Johannesburg-September 15, 2008 Melville, Gauteng) was a South African actor, theatre director, poet and journalist. He had two children, Lindi Matshikiza and Fubi Matshikiza.
Matshikiza grew up in exile in England, where he studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He later returned to South Africa in the 1980s and made his mark in theatre, film, and television. He was a co-founder and artistic director of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, which became an important space for anti-apartheid activism and cultural expression. Matshikiza also wrote and performed his own works, including the play "You Strike the Woman, You Strike the Rock" and the poetry collection "On the Mines." He was a prominent journalist, writing for publications such as The Guardian and Drum magazine, and he contributed to the African National Congress's radio station, Radio Freedom. Matshikiza's legacy as a multi-talented artist and activist continues to inspire and influence generations.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Read more about John Matshikiza on Wikipedia »
Mario Oriani-Ambrosini
Mario Oriani-Ambrosini (October 26, 1960 Italy-August 16, 2014 South Africa) was a South African personality.
Oriani-Ambrosini was a well-known figure in South African politics, having served as a member of parliament for the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). He was a constitutional lawyer and played a key role in the drafting of South Africa's post-apartheid constitution.
In addition to his work in politics, Oriani-Ambrosini was a prolific writer and commentator, penning numerous articles and books on topics ranging from law and politics to philosophy and spirituality. He was also a vocal advocate for the legalization of medical cannabis, having used the plant to treat his own cancer.
Oriani-Ambrosini was widely respected for his intelligence, integrity, and dedication to public service, and his passing was mourned by many in South Africa and beyond.
He died caused by lung cancer.
Read more about Mario Oriani-Ambrosini on Wikipedia »
James Lorimer
James Lorimer (April 5, 1962 South Africa-April 5, 2015) was a South African personality.
He was best known for being a sports broadcaster and journalist. Lorimer started his career in the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 1989 where he worked as a sports commentator. He covered major events such as the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, and several rugby and cricket tournaments.
Aside from broadcasting, Lorimer was also a writer and author. He published several books about South African sports, including "The Essential South African Sports Trivia" and "10 Years of Super Rugby."
Lorimer was widely respected in the sports industry and was known for his insightful and knowledgeable commentary. He was honored with the South African Sports Journalist of the Year award in 2003.
Lorimer passed away on his 53rd birthday, April 5, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. His contributions to South African sports and journalism will always be remembered.
Read more about James Lorimer on Wikipedia »
Bheki Mseleku
Bheki Mseleku (March 3, 1955 Durban-September 9, 2008 London) a.k.a. Mseleku, Bheki was a South African personality.
Discography: Star Seeding, Meditations, Timelessness, Celebration and Beauty of Sunrise. His related genres: Jazz.
He died caused by diabetes mellitus.
Read more about Bheki Mseleku on Wikipedia »