Dance floor tribute for acting legend!

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInCelebsDance floor tribute for acting legend!By: Andiswa Ngenyane • 16m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandJames Ngcobo said he and Mfana Jones Hlophe knew each other from a young age. (Andiswa Ngenyane) Artists and guests celebrate the late actor with music and danceACTOR Mfana Jones Hlophe was described as a hardworking, dedicated artist.

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His memorial service was held at the Market Theatre in Newtown on Wednesday, 14 October, where family and friends spoke about his love for the arts.

The memorial service also became a dance and music event, featuring artists such as Lelo Kamau, Ipi Tombi, Gumboots Musical Show, Township Fever and former Sarafina! musicians known as Committed Artists.

The stage turned into a dance floor, with even guests taking to the stage to perform and dance in celebration of Mfana’s love for the arts.

The actor, known for roles in Generations, Emzini Wezinsizwa, Imbewu: The Seed and Sarafina!, passed away on 7 October 2026, aged 55.

During the memorial service, actress Busiswa Mambi, who was also Mfana’s cousin, asked people to stop saying mean things about him on social media.

“Our hearts are broken as a family. We don’t know who’ll make us laugh now. We grew up together. Our mothers were sisters. We saw him when he was very young, and we knew he would be an actor. He would act everything.

“When he started being sick, we didn’t take it seriously, but here we are today. We’re here to say goodbye. It’s painful. And I ask that everyone writing mean and silly things on TikTok stop. Can you just be kind? It’s just not on. Rest in peace, Thumbeza. We’ll miss you. I’m so broken. I don’t even know what to say,” she said..

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Sphiwe Hlabangane, a producer at Kwa Baba, where Mfana played Uncle Mkhize, said they were supposed to have him on set the day he died.

“We had been talking on Facebook for years, and when I started producing on Kwa Baba, our chats moved from Facebook to emails and WhatsApp. That’s how he joined Kwa Baba.

“On 6 October, we were preparing a call sheet for 7 October, and the cast coordinator called actors to tell them they were working the next day. She called Mfana and told him he was on call the next day, and he said he would be there.

“Later that evening, a call came in saying they were not sure he would be there. He was in hospital. On my way to work the next day, my boss called me and asked, ‘Did you hear about Mfana Jones Hlophe? He passed away.’

“We prepared a sheet assuming time would allow us to shoot, but time had other plans. To the family, condolences. We are grateful to have shared his life and talent, and we hope his talent will live through us,” the producer said.

Actor Peter Mashigo said he and Jones had been friends since childhood.

“I wish I could turn things around. Before death, we should celebrate someone while they’re alive. It’s so sad. He could have seen how much we loved him.

“I didn’t believe it when I got the call that he had left us. It started to hit me during the weekend when I was alone. I sat in Hammanskraal and thought that if he were still here, I’d bring him to that place.

“We would speak on social media, and he said a lot of things on social media. I think that was his way of speaking to us, and I hope we took that in,” he said.

Another memorial service will be held on Thursday, 15 October, at the Bat Centre in Durban, KZN. His funeral will take place on Saturday, 17 October, in Umlazi, KZN.

A South African entertainment journalist at Daily Sun, specializing in celebrity news, television, music, and major entertainment events. She covers some of the biggest entertainment moments in the country, bringing audiences fast, accurate and engaging storytelling across print and digital platforms.

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