Pathetic Facts

South African musicians died when they were 58

Here are 8 famous musicians from South Africa died at 58:

Cornelis Jacobus Langenhoven

Cornelis Jacobus Langenhoven (August 13, 1873 South Africa-July 15, 1932) was a South African personality.

He was a prolific writer, poet and politician, who made significant contributions to Afrikaans literature and played a leading role in promoting Afrikaans as a language. Langenhoven was instrumental in standardizing the Afrikaans language, which was considered a dialect of Dutch at the time, and helped establish Afrikaans as one of the official languages of South Africa. He wrote numerous poems, plays, stories and essays, many of which are still widely read and celebrated today. In addition to his literary contributions, Langenhoven was also a prominent politician, serving in the South African parliament as a member of the National Party, and advocating for the rights and interests of Afrikaners. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of Afrikaans language and culture, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of South Africans.

Langenhoven was born in Hoeko, in the district of Riversdale in the Western Cape. He received his education in South Africa and later at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands where he studied law. Upon his return to South Africa, he began practicing law in Riversdale and soon became politically engaged. He founded the Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners (Society of True Afrikaners), which aimed to promote the use of Afrikaans as a language of instruction and culture.

Langenhoven's literary works were extensive, comprising novels, short stories, plays, and poems. One of his most famous works is the "Volkslied" (national anthem) of South Africa, "Die Stem", which he wrote in 1918. He also wrote the lyrics to the first Afrikaans opera, "Die Vloed" (The Flood), which was performed in Cape Town in 1920.

Apart from his political and literary pursuits, Langenhoven had a keen interest in sports, particularly rugby. He was involved in the organization of the first South African Rugby Board and was part of the team that established the Currie Cup.

Despite suffering from ill-health, Langenhoven remained active until his sudden death in 1932. He is remembered as a significant cultural and political figure in South African history, and his contributions to the Afrikaans language and culture continue to be celebrated to this day.

Henry Cele

Henry Cele (January 30, 1949 Durban-November 2, 2007 Durban) was a South African actor and soccer player.

He is best known for his role as Shaka Zulu in the 1986 television series of the same name, for which he received critical acclaim and worldwide recognition. Cele's acting career spanned three decades and he appeared in several films and television series such as "The Ghost and the Darkness" and "Roots". Prior to his acting career, he was also a professional soccer player and played for the team AmaZulu. Cele was an advocate for social justice and worked with various organizations to fight against apartheid in South Africa. He passed away in 2007 at the age of 58 due to complications from diabetes.

Aside from his notable roles in film, television, and theater, Henry Cele's passion for acting wasn't the only talent he possessed. Before he became an actor, he was a professional soccer player who played for AmaZulu. Cele was raised in Durban in a family of six children. He attended school in KwaMashu, where he played soccer as well. Cele's love for soccer was so strong that he would even combine it with his acting, playing in celebrity charity games. In addition to his impressive acting career, Cele was involved in social activism and humanitarian work. He was an advocate for the poor and underprivileged and was also committed to fighting against the apartheid regime in South Africa. Despite critical acclaim and worldwide recognition for his acting, Cele remained humble and never forgot his roots.

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Bill Flynn

Bill Flynn (December 13, 1948 Cape Town-July 11, 2007 Johannesburg) a.k.a. William Frederick Flynn, William "Bill" Flynn or William Flynn was a South African actor and comedian.

Flynn was best known for his role as Horatio in the 1970s South African TV series "Oscar in Asblikfontein". He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1970s and later transitioned into acting. He appeared in various South African TV shows and movies, including "The Gods Must Be Crazy II" and "Paljas". In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Flynn was also a political activist and staunch opponent of apartheid. He was a member of the United Democratic Front and participated in various anti-apartheid protests and campaigns. Flynn was married to actress, writer, and director Michele Burgers until his death in 2007, and the couple had three children together.

Flynn was born and raised in Cape Town, where he attended high school before studying drama at the University of Cape Town. After completing his studies, he began performing as a stand-up comedian at various clubs and venues in South Africa. His comedic talent quickly gained him widespread recognition and led to his transition into television and film.

As an actor, Flynn was known for his versatility and range. He appeared in a wide variety of roles, ranging from comedic to dramatic, and was praised for his ability to bring depth and nuance to every character he portrayed. In addition to his work in film and television, he also worked extensively in theater, both as an actor and director.

Throughout his career, Flynn remained a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. He was a vocal critic of the apartheid regime in South Africa and worked tirelessly to promote equality and freedom for all South Africans. He was a founding member of the South African Academy of Comedy and was actively involved in several other organizations dedicated to advocating for social change.

Flynn's death in 2007 was a great loss to the South African entertainment industry and the country as a whole. He was widely respected and admired for his talent as an actor and comedian, as well as his commitment to social justice and human rights. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists in South Africa and around the world.

He died in myocardial infarction.

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Martinus Theunis Steyn

Martinus Theunis Steyn (October 1, 1858 Winburg-November 28, 1916 Bloemfontein) was a South African politician and lawyer.

He served as the sixth and last president of the independent Orange Free State from 1896 until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1902. Steyn was a skilled lawyer and played a key role in the constitutional history of South Africa. He was also a strong advocate for Afrikaner nationalism and played a major role in the development of the Afrikaans language. Despite being imprisoned during the Second Boer War, Steyn continued to work towards a free and independent South Africa. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of the Afrikaans-speaking people of South Africa.

During his tenure as president, Martinus Theunis Steyn played a significant role in attempting to preserve the independence of the Orange Free State in the face of increasing British imperial pressure. He was fiercely opposed to British colonialism and imperialism, and worked tirelessly to secure the rights and freedoms of the people of the Orange Free State.

Prior to his political career, Steyn had a successful career as a lawyer and was widely respected for his legal expertise. He was also a prolific writer, and authored numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics related to South African history, culture, and politics.

After the annexation of the Orange Free State, Steyn remained a prominent figure in South African politics, and continued to advocate for the rights and freedoms of the Afrikaans-speaking people. He was a founding member of the National Party of South Africa, which rose to power in the post-World War II era and implemented apartheid policies.

Today, Martinus Theunis Steyn is remembered as a key figure in the history of South Africa and a champion of Afrikaner nationalism. His contributions to the development of the Afrikaans language and culture continue to be celebrated and studied by scholars and enthusiasts around the world.

Kathy Keeton

Kathy Keeton (February 17, 1939 South Africa-September 19, 1997 New York City) a.k.a. Katherine Keeton or Kathryn "Kathy" Keeton was a South African publisher, actor and entrepreneur.

Kathy Keeton was best known for co-founding the adult magazine Penthouse with her partner Bob Guccione in 1965. She played a pivotal role in the success of the magazine, serving as the editor-in-chief and later as president of the company. Keeton was also influential in the development of the magazine's editorial content, often featuring articles on controversial topics such as sexuality, politics, and religion.

Aside from her work in publishing, Keeton was a talented actress and appeared in several films and television shows during the 1960s and 1970s. She was known for her beauty and grace, which earned her a devoted following among fans of her work. Keeton also became an entrepreneur, founding her own cosmetics company in the 1980s.

Despite her many accomplishments, Keeton faced significant challenges throughout her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s and underwent a mastectomy to treat the disease. She continued to work throughout her illness, but ultimately passed away in 1997 at the age of 58. Today, Kathy Keeton is remembered as a trailblazer in the publishing industry and a fearless advocate for free speech and expression.

During her career, Keeton was known for her advocacy for women's rights and for her commitment to breaking down barriers in the male-dominated publishing industry. She was also a vocal critic of censorship and worked to defend the rights of artists and writers to express themselves freely. Keeton was an early supporter of digital technology and is credited with helping to pioneer the use of computers in the publishing industry.

Keeton was born in South Africa and began her career as a model before moving into publishing and acting. She was married to Bob Guccione for more than 20 years and the two were considered a power couple in the world of publishing.

After her death, Keeton's legacy lived on through the Kathy Keeton Award, which is given out by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers to publishers who have shown exceptional dedication to the press freedom and the defense of the freedom of expression.

She died caused by breast cancer.

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Clarence Walker

Clarence Walker (December 13, 1898-April 30, 1957) a.k.a. Clarence Leonard Walker was a South African personality.

He was a writer, journalist, and political activist who was one of the founding members of the African National Congress Youth League. He was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and spent most of his life fighting against racial oppression and inequality in his country. Walker wrote for several newspapers, including the South African Chronicle and the Bantu World. He was also a member of the Communist Party of South Africa and was involved in campaigns against the pass laws, which required non-white South Africans to carry identification documents at all times. He died in Johannesburg in 1957 at the age of 58. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer in the struggle for racial justice in South Africa.

During his lifetime, Clarence Walker made significant contributions towards the formation of the African National Congress Youth League in 1944. He worked alongside Nelson Mandela and other prominent activists in the organization, advocating for the rights of black South Africans. In addition to his political activism, Walker was also an accomplished writer, publishing numerous articles and essays on social and political issues. He was known for his sharp intellect and fierce dedication to the cause of equality, earning him the respect of his peers and the admiration of many people around the world. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks in his life, Clarence Walker remained committed to his ideals until his dying day, inspiring generations of activists to continue the fight against racism and oppression in South Africa and beyond.

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Kitch Christie

Kitch Christie (January 31, 1940 South Africa-April 22, 1998) was a South African coach.

Kitch Christie is best known for coaching the South African rugby union team, the Springboks, to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. This victory was significant as it marked the first major international sporting event hosted by South Africa following the end of apartheid. Under Christie's guidance, the Springboks became a dominant force in world rugby, winning 14 out of 15 games in 1995, including the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. Christie's coaching style emphasized teamwork and a strong work ethic, and he was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his players. Prior to coaching the Springboks, Christie had a successful coaching career at both club and provincial level in South Africa. Despite his untimely death at the age of 58, Christie's legacy in South African rugby continues to live on.

In addition to his success as a rugby coach, Kitch Christie was also a talented athlete in his youth. He played provincial rugby for Western Province and was also a keen cricketer. Christie's coaching career began in the 1970s when he started coaching rugby at the high school level. He then went on to coach at the club level, leading Durbanville-Bellville to five league titles in the 1980s. In 1992, Christie was appointed as head coach of the Free State Cheetahs, leading them to their first championship title in the 1993 season. It was this success that led to his appointment as Springbok coach in 1994.

Christie's leadership and motivational skills were widely recognized, and he was known for his ability to build strong relationships with his players. He was also praised for his tactical knowledge and ability to adapt to different opponents. Following his success with the Springboks in 1995, Christie retired from coaching due to health issues. He was posthumously inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011, in recognition of his contribution to the sport.

He died in leukemia.

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Willem Eduard Bok

Willem Eduard Bok (June 28, 1846 Den Burg-November 1, 1904 Johannesburg) was a South African merchant.

Born in the Netherlands, Bok immigrated to South Africa in 1873, where he quickly established himself as a successful merchant. He was particularly known for his role in the diamond trade, and was one of the founding members of the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his business success, Bok was also a noted philanthropist, particularly in the field of education. He founded and supported several schools in the Transvaal region, and even traveled back to the Netherlands to raise funds for their continued operation.

Bok was also involved in politics, serving as a member of the Volksraad, the parliament of the South African Republic, from 1893 to 1898. He was a supporter of the Boer cause during the Second Boer War, and was imprisoned by the British for his involvement in the conflict.

After his release from prison, Bok continued to be active in both business and philanthropy until his death in 1904. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in the South African diamond trade, as well as a committed supporter of education and social justice.

Bok's contributions to South African society were not limited to his business and philanthropic activities. He was also a keen collector of art and books, and his personal collection included rare and valuable items from around the world. Bok's interest in cultural preservation led him to be involved in the founding of the South African Library in Cape Town and the Transvaal Museum. He was also a supporter of the arts, and many of the schools he founded included facilities for music and the arts.

Bok's legacy continued long after his death, with several institutions and organizations named in his honor. The town of Boksburg, located east of Johannesburg, was named after him, and the Bok Building in the city of Pretoria remains an important historical landmark. Bok's philanthropic contributions to education continue to benefit South African students to this day, with several schools and scholarships still bearing his name. Bok's life is a testament to the power of both individual entrepreneurship and social responsibility, and he remains an inspiration to many South Africans.

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