Actress Sindi Buthelezi who was part of the old, local Generations series production has died, relatives confirmed on Tuesday. Sindi’s older sister, Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane, confirmed the news and said a statement from the family would follow later in the day.
The actress, who was popular for her role as Zinhle Mathe, Chopper’s girlfriend on the SABC1 soapie, was 32. Details surrounding the cause of her death are not known at this stage.
The actress was born and raised in Gauteng’s East Rand (Ekurhuleni) in a small town called Ratanda, and started her life in the arts at the local community hall.
“We are saddened by the loss of our dear artist and friend Sindi Buthelezi. The time will come when we celebrate the memory of her kindness and talent, but for now, we mourn a tremendous loss. Even with our last discussion, Sindi, although not feeling well, was still in great spirits and always ready for a joke or two. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten. We will honor her knowing that she made a lasting impact, much more than just an agent-artist relationship” writes Jennis Williamson of Talent ETC.
She joined Generations in 2013. Her other big roles include playing Ntombi in the 12th season of the SABC1 HIV/Aids drama Soul City and playing Patience Khumalo in the e.tv telenovela series Ashes To Ashes.
Tributes for the actress have started to trickle in on social media.
The @Our_DA sends our heartfelt condolences to the family of actress Sindi Buthelezi
Former Generations and Ashes to Ashes star.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”#RIPSindiButhelezi pic.twitter.com/iVVmtUPSCa— People’s servant (@tsepomhlongo) July 28, 2021
Most people remember the character of Zinhle she played alongside actor Mandla Gaduka (Chopper) in Generations, which made her a household name.
