Veteran actress and television host, Vinolia “V-Mash” Mashego, is reported to have passed away in her sleep, prompting tribute posts from the likes of Bonang Matheba, Robert Marawa and Dineo Langa.
In a Twitter post today, 7 April 2020, SABC 1 confirmed the passing of Vinolia Mashego, who reportedly died in her sleep at the age of 56. The post stated, “We are saddened to learn about the passing of one of the best show hosts and actresses we have ever seen on our channel and [South African] TV at large!”
The media personality currently served as the host of Moja Love’s popular prank show, Bheka Sik’bambile, where she offered comedic commentary throughout. The actress will be remembered for her role in Generations, as the character Hilda Letlalo, in the early 2000s. Prior to that, she gained much traction as the host of SABC 1’s popular music show, Jam Alley. In 2019, she was cast in SABC 2’s star-studded first Xitsonga telenovela, Giyani: Land of Blood, opposite Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Ndivhuwo Mutsila.
Fans and colleagues have shared their sympathies on social media, with many reminiscing on her memorable television moments and her influence on their careers. Actress, Dineo Langa, tweeted, “VMash was the first example of ‘dare to dream’, ‘black girl it’s possible’… Literally first of her name for the entertainment industry. Tshela tshoeu Vinolia Mashego,” Skeem Saam actor, Clement Maosa, stated, “I respect and honor everyone who played a major role in supporting and helping Mam Vinolia Mashego in times of need, and most who never made noise about it.” Her passing also prompted tributes from Bonang Matheba, who credited her presenting style to the late icon, and Robert Marawa.
Vinolia will be laid to rest on Friday, 10 April 2020.
See the social media commentary and Vinolia Mashego’s latest appearance in Bheka Sik’bambile below.
We are saddened to learn about the passing of one of the best show host and actress we have ever seen on our channel (Jam Alley and Generations) and SA TV at large!
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Vinolia Mashego's family and friends #RIPVMash pic.twitter.com/HISqs6vT6R
— SABC 1 (@Official_SABC1) April 7, 2020
VMash was the first example of "dare to dream", "black girl it's possible"… Literally first of her name for the entertainment industry. Tshela tshoeu Vinolia Mashego. 🕊
— Dineo Langa (@therealdineo) April 6, 2020
I Respect and Honor everyone who played a major role in supporting & helping Mam Vinolia Mashego in times of need and most who never made noise about it, modimo a le dire ka botho…
Robala ka kgotso Mma, le re buletše ditsela. #RIPVMash #RIPVinoliaMashego
— Clement Maosa (@clementmaosa) April 7, 2020
You brought personality, vibe and made us so happy!!! A cult following u certainly had…. If u missed an episode of Jam Alley u'd be depressed for the entire weekend because we would have missed ur showbiz pizazz!!!#RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/TBYUego38o
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) April 6, 2020
Not even close. She inspired my entire presenting style- the vernac, catchy phrases, huge personality…she was everything I wanted to be….this one cuts deeps. https://t.co/FuaHH1gcCI
— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) April 6, 2020
Sayushka Naidoo
sayushka@justnje.com
