‘He was our teacher!’ – Stars mourn Generations legend

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via WhatsAppShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInCelebs‘He was our teacher!’ – Stars mourn Generations legend By: Jabulani Langa • 16m agoAdd as a preferred source on GoogleFollow on Google NewsListen to this article-00:00lead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandActor Simphiwe Majozi in white singing with others at Mfana-Jones Hlophe’s memorial service at the BAT Centre in Durban (Jabulani Langa) Stars gather in Durban to honor Mfana-Jones Hlophe’s enduring legacyWatch: ‘He was our teacher!’ – Stars mourn Generations legend Legendary actor Thabo Mnguni speaks at Mfana-Jones Hlophe’s memorial service at the BAT Centre in Durban. (Jabulani Langa) THE creative industry came together in Durban on Thursday to bid farewell to legendary actor Mfana-Jones Hlophe, who captured hearts as the problematic Nimrod on SABC1’s Generations: The Legacy.

Tap here to download the FREE Daily Sun App

The 53-year-old Umlazi-born star passed away on Wednesday night at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Joburg after a long battle with Type 1 diabetes.

His memorial service at the BAT Centre in Durban on Thursday, 15 October drew a who’s who of Mzansi’s acting royalty, including Thabo Mnguni, Indlovukazi Mapule, Menzi Biyela, Sandile Dlamini, Simphiwe Majozi, Mthandeni Mbambo, Swazi Mokoena, and Sibonakaliso Mazibuko.

Mfana-Jones made his name in some of Mzansi’s biggest productions, including Township Fever, Sarafina, Uzalo, and Imbewu: The Seed, after being groomed by the late Mbongeni Ngema in the late 1980s.

ALSO READ: Suspended top cop’s matter delayed!

Although he was based in Joburg at the time of his death, Durban’s creative community gathered to honour their fallen son.

Legendary actor Thabo Mnguni (59), who worked with Mfana-Jones for many years, told Daily Sun his friend was a brilliant teacher who also loved to have fun.

“I knew him many years ago during the time of Sarafina 2 when I met him at Gibson Kente’s place. We travelled through Europe together and became brothers. We shared a flat,” Mnguni said.

“Mostly when I was in Joburg, I stayed with him. He has been a great brother, and I learned a lot from him as an actor. May his soul rest in peace.”

Mfana-Jones also stole hearts when he played lead character Smomoza on Mzansi’s most-watched soapie, Uzalo.

Simphiwe Majozi, who worked alongside him on Uzalo, told Daily Sun he learned invaluable lessons from the veteran actor.

“We are heartbroken as artists about his departure. It’s not nice to lose someone who was still going to inspire even more younger artists. I wished God would keep him longer to teach others who didn’t get a chance to learn from him,” Majozi said.

“We were lucky to meet him, and we will continue to use what he taught us. It was nice to be with him on Uzalo. He was an understanding actor who didn’t undermine me because I was still new and he was a legend. He taught me how to approach our lines. We were fusing theatre and TV.”

Mfana-Jones leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of actors across Mzansi.

He will be laid to rest at his kasi in Umlazi on Saturday, 17 October.

A multi award-winning entertainment journalist at Daily Sun, specialising in celebrity news, television, music, and major entertainment events. He covers some of the biggest entertainment moments in the country, bringing audiences fast, accurate and engaging storytelling across digital platforms.

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowRelated Articles‘He was our teacher!’ – Stars mourn Generations legend 16m ago