Pathetic Facts

South African musicians died when they were 69

Here are 27 famous musicians from South Africa died at 69:

Eugène Terre'Blanche

Eugène Terre'Blanche (January 31, 1941 Ventersdorp-April 3, 2010 Ventersdorp) also known as Eugene Terre'Blanche was a South African politician.

Terre'Blanche was the founder and leader of the far-right political organisation called the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB). He was a controversial figure in South African politics due to his outspoken views on white supremacy and his calls for a separate state for the Afrikaner people.

He was known for his confrontational tactics and was a vocal opponent of Nelson Mandela during the transition to democracy in South Africa. Terre'Blanche was also involved in several violent incidents, including a 1991 attack on a black South African worker that left the man paralyzed.

On April 3, 2010, Terre'Blanche was murdered on his farm in Ventersdorp. His death sparked national and international attention, with many fearing that it could lead to renewed racial tensions in South Africa. Two men were arrested and later found guilty of his murder.

He died caused by murder.

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William Plomer

William Plomer (December 10, 1903 Polokwane, Limpopo-September 21, 1973 Lewes) a.k.a. William Charles Franklyn Plomer or William Charles Franklyn Plomer CBE was a South African writer and librettist.

Plomer spent much of his early life in South Africa before moving to England in 1923 to pursue a career in writing. He worked as an editor for publishers such as Jonathan Cape and collaborated with several prominent writers, including D.H. Lawrence and E.M. Forster.

As a writer, Plomer was known for his novels, poetry, and memoirs, which often explored themes of identity, sexuality, and colonialism. His most famous works include "Turbott Wolfe" (1925), "The Case is Altered" (1932), and "The Invader" (1949).

In addition to his literary work, Plomer also wrote several libretti for operas, including Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes" and "Death in Venice." He was awarded the CBE in 1951 for his contributions to the arts.

Plomer died in 1973 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most pioneering writers and librettists of the 20th century.

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Pixley ka Isaka Seme

Pixley ka Isaka Seme (October 1, 1881 Inanda-June 1, 1951) was a South African lawyer.

He was also the founder of the South African Native National Congress, which later became the African National Congress. Seme was born in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, and later moved to the United States to study. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and later went on to receive his law degree from Oxford University. After returning to South Africa, Seme became a prominent figure in the fight against discrimination and segregation. He was a leader in advocating for the rights of black South Africans and played a crucial role in the formation of the ANC. Throughout his life, he believed in the importance of education for all and was an advocate for the advancement of the black community.

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Bert Vogler

Bert Vogler (November 28, 1876 South Africa-August 9, 1946 Pietermaritzburg) was a South African personality.

He was a cricketer who played for South Africa in nine Test matches between 1906 and 1912, and was known for his left-arm spin bowling. Apart from cricket, Bert Vogler was also a rugby union player, a wrestler, and a boxer. He served in the British Army during World War I and was held as a prisoner of war for a time. After his cricket career, he worked as a game warden and a farmer. Vogler was inducted into the South African Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Alfred Cooper

Alfred Cooper (September 2, 1893 Johannesburg-April 5, 1963 Johannesburg) was a South African personality.

He was an accomplished athlete, particularly in the sport of cycling, winning multiple national championships. Cooper was also a successful businessman, building a career in the advertising industry and becoming a prominent figure in Johannesburg's commercial circles. Additionally, he was a philanthropist, donating time and resources to various community organizations and causes. Despite his many successes, Cooper experienced significant setbacks in his personal life, including a divorce and financial difficulties. He passed away at the age of 69 in his hometown of Johannesburg.

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George Parker

George Parker (May 27, 1899-May 1, 1969) was a South African personality.

He was best known for his work as a big game hunter and was regarded as one of the most prolific hunters of his time. Throughout his career, Parker hunted hundreds of big game animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and more, many of which were taken for trophy-hunting purposes. However, in the latter phase of his life, he began to promote conservationist views and advocated for the protection of wildlife. He wrote many articles and gave speeches on this subject, which gained him a large following. Parker also published several books about his hunting experiences and adventures in Africa, which were widely read and appreciated by his fans.

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Arnold Theiler

Arnold Theiler (March 26, 1867 Frick-July 24, 1936 London) was a South African veterinary physician. His child is Gertrud Theiler.

Arnold Theiler was born in Frick, Switzerland, and grew up in South Africa. He received his veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in London, England, and went on to become a leading expert in the field of animal diseases. He was particularly well-known for his work on tick-borne diseases such as heartwater and East Coast fever, which had a devastating impact on livestock in South Africa.

In 1908, Theiler was appointed as the Director of Veterinary Research in the Transvaal Colony, where he established the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. The institute quickly became one of the leading research centers for veterinary medicine in the world, and Theiler became known as the "father of veterinary science" in South Africa.

Perhaps his most famous achievement was the development of a vaccine for East Coast fever, a disease that had long plagued the cattle industry in Africa. His work on this disease earned him the prestigious Cameron Prize for Therapeutics in 1913.

Theiler was also a founding member of the Royal Society of South Africa and served as its president from 1922 to 1923. He continued to work at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute until his death in London in 1936.

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Willem Adriaan van der Stel

Willem Adriaan van der Stel (August 24, 1664 Haarlem-November 11, 1733 Lisse) was a South African personality.

He was appointed as governor of the Cape Colony by the Dutch East India Company in 1699 and served in that position until 1707. During his tenure, he established the town of Stellenbosch and expanded the settlement at Constantia, where he planted vineyards and produced wine. Despite his accomplishments, van der Stel's governorship was marred by accusations of corruption and abuse of power, which ultimately led to his recall to the Netherlands in 1707. He retired to a country estate in Lisse, where he continued to maintain his vineyards and gardens until his death in 1733. Van der Stel is remembered for his contributions to South African agriculture and winemaking, as well as for the controversies that marked his governorship.

Oswald Pirow

Oswald Pirow (August 14, 1890 Aberdeen-October 1, 1959 Pretoria) was a South African lawyer and politician.

Pirow was a Member of Parliament and served as the Minister of Defence in the South African government during the 1930s. He was known for his advocacy of South African sovereignty and nationalism, and his early opposition to apartheid. Pirow also played a significant role in the formation of the South African Air Force and was a pilot himself. After leaving politics, he became a successful barrister in Pretoria. However, his political and legal careers were tainted by his association with fascist and Nazi ideology, and he was interned during World War II for his pro-German sympathies.

He died as a result of cardiovascular disease.

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Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi

Samuel Edward Krune Mqhayi (December 1, 1875 South Africa-July 29, 1945) was a South African personality.

He was a Xhosa author, poet, philosopher, teacher, and historian during the time of the South African War and the subsequent establishment of the Union of South Africa. Mqhayi's literary works were written mainly in his mother tongue, isiXhosa, and focused on the history, culture, and traditions of his people. He was also a prominent political activist and advocate for the rights of his community during the early stages of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. Mqhayi was highly respected for his contribution to Xhosa literature and his role in preserving the language and culture of his people. He received several awards and accolades in his lifetime, and his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of writers and activists in South Africa.

Alexander du Toit

Alexander du Toit (March 14, 1878 Cape Town-February 25, 1948 Cape Town) otherwise known as Alex du Toit or Alex. L. Du Toit was a South African geologist.

He was a pioneer in the study of the geology of Africa and a leading expert on the geology of South Africa. After earning his degree in geology from Victoria College, Stellenbosch, he joined the Geological Survey of South Africa and began his research on the structure and formation of the Karoo Basin. He later worked on the geology of Namibia, where he discovered evidence of ancient glaciations, and on the evolution of the African continent, developing the concept of Gondwanaland, a supercontinent that once encompassed Africa, South America, Antarctica, Australia and India. His work on the Karoo Basin was crucial in the discovery of the world's most extensive forerunner to the African continent's oil resources. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Wollaston Medal from the Geological Society of London in 1937.

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Albert Lutuli

Albert Lutuli (April 5, 1898 Bulawayo-July 21, 1967 KwaDukuza) was a South African politician.

He was the first African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960 for his role as the President of the African National Congress (ANC) during the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Lutuli was a devout Christian and advocate for nonviolent resistance to apartheid, following in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi. He was arrested numerous times for his activism and spent long periods under house arrest. Despite the oppressive regime, Lutuli continued his work towards a democratic and equal society until his untimely death in a train accident in 1967. His legacy continues to inspire leaders and activists around the world in the fight for human rights and equality.

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Dullah Omar

Dullah Omar (May 26, 1934 Cape Town-March 13, 2004) was a South African politician.

Omar was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and lawyer, and played a key role in the struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa. He was a founding member of the United Democratic Front, which was instrumental in the fight against apartheid.

After the end of apartheid, Omar served as the Minister of Justice under President Nelson Mandela, where he played a critical role in the formation of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was noted for his commitment to human rights and justice, and was widely respected for his integrity and dedication to the cause of equality in South Africa.

Omar received numerous awards for his contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle, including the Order of Luthuli and the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo. His legacy continues to inspire activists and human rights advocates throughout the world.

He died in cancer.

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Manto Tshabalala-Msimang

Manto Tshabalala-Msimang (October 9, 1940 Durban-December 16, 2009 Johannesburg) was a South African politician.

She served as the Minister of Health of South Africa from 1999 to 2008. During her tenure, she was known for promoting the use of traditional African medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, which was met with criticism from the international community and medical experts. Tshabalala-Msimang also faced controversy for her own health issues and her advocacy for a beetroot and garlic concoction as a substitute for antiretroviral medication. Despite this, she was a prominent figure in the African National Congress and played a role in the country's transition to democracy. Prior to her political career, Tshabalala-Msimang was a medical doctor and played a key role in the underground anti-apartheid movement.

Horace Edward Ramsden

Horace Edward Ramsden (December 15, 1878 Chester-August 3, 1948 Wynberg, Cape Town) was a South African soldier.

He served as a lieutenant colonel in the South African Army during World War I and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions during the German South West Africa campaign. Ramsden later became a senior officer in the South African Police and played a key role in the suppression of the Rand Rebellion in 1922. He retired from the police force in 1932 and became a prominent businessman in the Western Cape, serving as a director of several companies. Ramsden also had a keen interest in horse racing and was the owner of a successful stable. He was married with three children.

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Bobby Locke

Bobby Locke (November 20, 1917 Germiston-March 9, 1987 Johannesburg) was a South African golfer.

He was considered one of the greatest golfers of his time, having won a total of four Open Championships in his career. Locke turned professional in 1938 and won his first Open Championship in 1949. He went on to win the next three consecutive Opens in 1950, 1951, and 1952.

In addition to his Open Championship wins, Locke also had a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning a total of 74 professional titles. His putting skills were legendary, and he was known for his ability to read the greens and sink putts from great distances.

Locke was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1977 and was later also inducted into the South African Sports Hall of Fame. He passed away in Johannesburg in 1987 at the age of 69.

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Amichand Rajbansi

Amichand Rajbansi (January 14, 1942 Durban-December 29, 2011) was a South African politician.

He is best known for founding and leading the Minority Front, a political party that represented the interests of the Indian community in South Africa during apartheid. Rajbansi was a member of the South African Parliament and served as a Cabinet Minister under the government of President Nelson Mandela. Throughout his political career, he was a vocal advocate for the advancement of the Indian community and worked to promote racial harmony in South Africa. Rajbansi passed away on December 29, 2011, at the age of 69.

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Kobie Coetsee

Kobie Coetsee (April 19, 1931 Ladybrand, Free State-July 29, 2000 Bloemfontein) was a South African politician.

Coetsee was a prominent member of the National Party and served in various positions in the apartheid government of South Africa. He was the Minister of Justice from 1980 to 1991, during which time he played a key role in the negotiations that led to the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990. Coetsee was also instrumental in the drafting of the new constitution of South Africa that was adopted after the end of apartheid. After retiring from politics, he became involved in philanthropic work and founded a number of charitable organizations in his home province of Free State.

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Stella Sigcau

Stella Sigcau (January 4, 1937 Lusikisiki-May 7, 2006 Durban) a.k.a. Princess Stella Sigcau or Stella Margaret Nomzamo Sigcau was a South African politician and teacher.

Stella Sigcau was a prominent figure in the African National Congress (ANC) and served as the Minister of Public Works from 1994 to 1996. She was also the first female Chief Minister of the Transkei homeland in South Africa from 1987 to 1994. Before joining politics, Sigcau was a teacher and worked to promote education in South Africa, particularly for girls. She was exiled to Zambia in 1964 and spent many years in exile, working for the ANC and the United Nations. Sigcau was a strong advocate for women's rights and played a key role in promoting gender equality in South Africa. She was awarded the Order of Luthuli by the South African government in 2005 for her contribution to the struggle against apartheid.

She died caused by heart failure.

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Harold Henning

Harold Henning (October 3, 1934 Johannesburg-January 1, 2004) was a South African golfer.

Henning began his professional golfing career in 1955 and is considered to be one of South Africa's most successful golfers. He won 20 professional events in South Africa and played in The Open Championship and the U.S. Open during his career. Henning was known for his accurate ball striking and putting abilities, which helped him earn the nickname "The Blade." He was also a popular golf instructor and was known for helping develop the games of many young South African golfers. After his death, the Harold Henning Junior Golf Foundation was established to continue his legacy of supporting young golfers in South Africa.

He died caused by pancreatic cancer.

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Rosa Hope

Rosa Hope (June 8, 1902-April 5, 1972) was a South African personality.

She was a political activist and journalist, advocating for the rights of black South Africans during the apartheid era. Rosa Hope was a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC), the leading anti-apartheid organization. She was known for her fearless reporting on the injustices faced by black South Africans, which often put her own safety at risk. In addition to her activism and journalism, Rosa Hope was also a poet and writer, publishing several works during her lifetime. Her legacy as a champion for social justice continues to inspire activists and writers around the world.

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Doug Stupart

Doug Stupart (March 30, 1882-May 6, 1951) was a South African personality.

He was born in Cape Town and originally trained as a lawyer before transitioning to a career in journalism. Stupart was known for his wit and humor, and wrote columns for several newspapers, including the Cape Times and the Rand Daily Mail. He also served as the editor of the Johannesburg Sunday Times for a period of time. In addition to his work in journalism, Stupart was involved in politics and served as a member of the Johannesburg City Council. He was a well-known figure in South African social circles and was often invited to speak at events and give lectures. Stupart passed away in 1951 at the age of 69.

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William GL Janse van Rensburg

William GL Janse van Rensburg (April 10, 1939-August 9, 2008) was a South African personality.

He was a renowned actor, director, and writer. Janse van Rensburg was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and began his career as an actor in the late 1950s. He became a household name with his role as "Oom Kaspaas" in the popular South African TV series "Vetkoekpaleis" in the 1990s.

Aside from being an actor, Janse van Rensburg also directed and wrote several plays, television shows, and films. He was a recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to the South African entertainment industry, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and Television Awards in 2005.

In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Janse van Rensburg was also known for his philanthropic work. He established the William GL Janse van Rensburg Children's Fund to provide financial assistance to young people pursuing careers in the performing arts.

Janse van Rensburg passed away in 2008 at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. He left behind a legacy as a talented and multifaceted artist, beloved by many in South Africa and beyond.

Leonard Cullen

Leonard Cullen (November 23, 1914 Johannesburg-September 15, 1984 South Africa) was a South African personality.

He is best known for his work as a radio broadcaster and television presenter during the 1950s and 1960s. Cullen began his broadcasting career at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 1947 and quickly became a popular personality. He hosted a variety of radio programs, including music shows and news programs.

In the 1960s, Cullen made the transition to television and became a well-known presenter on South African TV. He hosted a number of programs, including the popular game show "Pick a Box," which aired for over a decade. Cullen's warm personality and quick wit made him a beloved figure in South African entertainment.

In addition to his broadcasting work, Cullen was also a talented musician and composer. He wrote a number of popular songs, including "Till We Meet Again," which became a hit in South Africa and beyond.

Throughout his career, Cullen was known for his commitment to promoting South African culture and talent. He was a proud South African and worked tirelessly to showcase the best of his country's music, art, and entertainment.

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Katharine Blake

Katharine Blake (September 11, 1921 Johannesburg-March 1, 1991 London) a.k.a. Illonne Katharine Inglestone or Ursula Gray was a South African actor. She had two children, Jenny Jacobs Greene and Lindy Greene.

Blake began her acting career in South Africa, but later moved to England where she appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. Some of her notable film roles include "The Boy Who Turned Yellow" (1972) and "The Omen" (1976). Blake's television credits include appearances on popular series such as "The Avengers" (1963-1969), "Doctor Who" (1970), and "Poldark" (1975-1977). She was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and performed in productions of "Twelfth Night" and "The Taming of the Shrew". Blake passed away in London in 1991 at the age of 69.

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Hotep Idris Galeta

Hotep Idris Galeta (June 7, 1941 Cape Town-November 3, 2010) also known as Hotep Cecil Barnard was a South African pianist, bandleader and composer.

Genres related to him: Bebop, Folk music and Post-bop.

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Eben Dönges

Eben Dönges (March 8, 1898 Klerksdorp-January 10, 1968 Cape Town) otherwise known as T. E. Dönges was a South African politician.

He was a member of the National Party and served as the Minister of the Interior from 1958 to 1961. He later became the Leader of the Opposition in the South African Parliament in 1961, and he was widely regarded as a potential successor to Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd. However, his political career was cut short by a tragic plane crash in 1968, which took his life. Despite his short tenure in politics, Dönges is remembered as one of the most influential politicians of his time and a strong advocate for Afrikaans-speaking South Africans.

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