Veteran Actor Magic Hlatshwayo Reveals How He Nearly Lost His Life: "I Almost Died"
- Former Generations actor Magic Hlatshwayo recently opened up about how he almost lost his life in the 90s
- The multi-lingual actor and director was the latest guest on radio personality King David's Podcast
- South Africans took to social media to thank David Mashabela for interviewing Hlatshwayo on his YouTube channel
Source: Twitter
Multi-award-winning actor Magic Hlatshwayo opens up about how he almost lost his life in 1996.
Hlatshwayo, who starred in SABC2's cancelled soapie Muvhango and The Queen, reveals how he almost died from alcohol.
Podcaster and radio personality David Mashabela, aka King David, shared Hlatshwayo's interview video on his X account on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
In the video, the thespian shares that he almost died from drinking alcohol daily.
"1996, that's when the liquor caught up with me. I almost died. We used to drink every day," says the actor.
Hlatshwayo also reveals that he and his friends also drank alcohol at work, during working hours.
The veteran actor adds that he was admitted twice to the hospital, and doctors told him he was going to die because his pancreas was no longer functioning well.
The legendary actor was a guest on King David's YouTube channel on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
Social media reacts to the actor's interview
@Bee-om7fo reacted:
"This man is a treasure, please, government (Arts and Culture), acknowledge him and handle him with care."
@dollarscientist9009 said:
"I wish Joe Mafela was still here to tell us his story, legendary actors who made our childhood! Respect Bab'Magic ❤. To us from mixed and multilingual families😊."
@sallyngobeni507 commented:
"I'm only starting my 40s and can't remember what I ate last night 😂😂😂 Ntate Magic's memory is on point. 👌🏾. I'm in awe."
@niklaskhathutshelo wrote:
"Today I got an answer, I knew those guys Emzini Wezinsiza were not having scripts, they were living their normal lives. 🔥🔥🤗😅🤣."
@mthobisimthethwa1156 said:
"People born in Joburg are a rare breed, man. Ntate Magic speaks impeccable Setswana and Zulu. I’ve always thought he grew up in KZN. Another one is Vusi Kunene. He’s fluent in Zulu, Sepedi, and Xitsonga. Amazing!"
@kgopotsomabuza2730 replied:
"Now the intro is really a historical documentation of family history; his family is blessed."
@Thulaganyo_G commented:
"I have never heard a positive story from alcohol, and I am very old by the way."
@Matlala_S said:
"You have this brilliant interviewing ability to allow people to tell their stories freely and flow. These aren’t interviews, but audio biographies 👌🏾💯."
@pearlita2137 replied:
"So, the whole time he was being displaced, moving from one place to another, learning and unlearning languages and culture, fate was preparing him for the future! The epitome of rejection is redirection 🎉🎉🎉❤."
@PhumlaniMthethwa-zj9fs wrote:
"Kwakhala nyonini, the legend aced it. I still enjoy watching it to this day. It is a healer. Well done, Bab Hlatshwayo!"
Source: Twitter
The River and Tsotsi actor Presley Chweneyagae dead
In more entertainment news, Briefly News previously reported that celebrated actor and media personality, Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in The River from seasons 1 to 6, has died.
Chweneyagae, who played the role of Cobra Mokwena in the award-winning TV show, died on Tuesday at 40.
Fans of the actor and celebrity friends took to social media on Tuesday morning to bid farewell to the star.
Source: Briefly News
