Mfana Jones Hlophe Remembered With Dance and Song at Market Theatre Memorial
- South African actor Mfana Jones Hlophe, who passed away on 7 October 2026 aged 55, was honoured at a vibrant memorial at Johannesburg's Market Theatre
- His cousin, actress Busiswa Mambi, delivered an emotional tribute and appealed to social media users to stop posting hurtful comments about the late star
- A producer at Kwa Baba revealed that Hlophe had confirmed he would be on set the very day he was hospitalised, hours before his death
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The memorial service for beloved South African actor Mfana Jones Hlophe was anything but a sombre affair. On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg, became a celebration of life as family, friends and fellow entertainers turned the stage into a dance floor in his honour.
Hlophe, who died on 7 October 2026 at 55, built a career across some of South Africa's most recognisable productions, including Generations, Emzini Wezinsizwa, Imbewu: The Seed and Sarafina!. Performances by Lelo Kamau, Ipi Tombi, Gumboots Musical Show, Township Fever and Committed Artists, a group of former Sarafina! musicians, set the tone for the kind of send-off that matched the man's own love for the arts. Guests even joined the performers on stage.
Cousin pleads for kindness online
Actress Busiswa Mambi, Hlophe's cousin on their mothers' side, gave one of the most moving tributes of the evening. She shared memories of their childhood together and recalled how his flair for performance was obvious from a very young age, with the family always sensing he was destined for the arts.
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According to Daily Sun, Mambi said the family was still struggling to come to terms with losing the laughter he brought into every room. She also admitted that they had not initially grasped how serious his illness was, which made the news of his passing all the more devastating.
She used her platform to call on social media users to stop leaving cruel comments about the deceased, urging people to choose kindness while his loved ones grieved.
Producer recalls actor's last working day
Sphiwe Hlabangane, a producer on Kwa Baba, where Hlophe played the character Uncle Mkhize, spoke about how their working relationship began through years of Facebook conversations before eventually moving to email and WhatsApp.
On 6 October, the production had already drawn up the next day's call sheet with Hlophe scheduled to appear on set. The cast coordinator reached him that day, and he confirmed he would be there. But later that same evening, word came through that he had been admitted to hospital and his attendance was uncertain.
The following morning, Hlabangane received a call from his boss confirming that Hlophe had passed. He said he was grateful to have worked alongside such a dedicated performer and hoped the actor's legacy would continue to inspire others in the industry.
Childhood friend struggles to accept loss
Actor Peter Mashigo, who knew Hlophe from their childhood days, said the grief took time to fully settle in. He only felt the full weight of the loss during a quiet moment over the weekend. Mashigo also reflected on how people tend to hold back appreciation and recognition until it is too late.
A second memorial was held on Thursday, 15 October at the Bat Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Hlophe's funeral is set for Saturday, 17 October, in Umlazi.
Mfana Jones Hlophe’s family confirmed memorial service
The family of former Uzalo actor Mfana Jones Hlophe has confirmed his memorial service on social media.
Jones Hlophe recently passed away in his Johannesburg home and was rushed to the hospital.
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