Tributes Pour In As SAFTA-Winning Scriptwriter Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele Passes Away Aged 35
- Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele's family announced the actress and scriptwriter's passing, revealing she died after an illness
- Manqele had spent more than a week in hospital due to a cardiac condition before her death
- Tributes poured out on social media as fans and followers celebrated her legacy and mourned her untimely death
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Source: Instagram
Tributes are pouring in for South African actress and screenwriter Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele, who died on 22 October 2026 at age 35. Her family broke the news in an official statement released on Friday, 23 October, confirming that she had been hospitalised for over a week due to a cardiac condition before her death.
"It is with deep sadness that her family announces the passing of Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele, aged 35, on 22 October 2026, after more than a week in hospital due to a cardiac condition," the statement read.
Gugu Manqele's creative and academic legacy
Beyond her screen work, Manqele was a formidable presence in South African academia. She held qualifications in dramatic arts, creative writing, film and television from Wits University and, at the time of her death, was a Mellon-funded doctoral candidate in Culture, Communication and Media Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her family highlighted her dedication to mentorship, research and advocacy within the creative industries.
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In a bittersweet detail, the University of KwaZulu-Natal received her PhD examiners' reports just hours before she died. The reports confirmed she had met all requirements for the degree, pending recommended corrections.
"A few hours before her passing, the University received her PhD examiners' reports, which found that she had satisfied all requirements for her PhD, making her eligible for the degree upon attending to the recommended corrections," the family's statement revealed.
Manqele contributed to several well-loved South African television productions during her career, including Skeem Saam, Gomora, House of Zwide and Umkhokha. In 2024, she received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Achievement in Scriptwriting for Skeem Saam.
Her family described faith as central to who she was, highlighting that "Sibusisiwe loved God."
Source: Instagram
Mzansi reacts to Sibusisiwe Manqele's death
Social media users have been sharing heartfelt messages since the news broke. Below are some of the reactions:
ChatsLike said:
"So sad, followed her; she was such an inspiration."
ThatoMalau was shattered:
"This still feels unreal."
whos.sihawu wrote:
"Rest in eternal peace. Sis wami. I know you won’t be able to see this, but the energy you radiated will somehow reach you. Thank you so, so much for everything you did for us as a family. You sharpened us to believe in our dreams; you weren’t shy to voice out almost anything. Your kindness and smile will be so missed. uPhumule kahle, Mfethu, don’t forget to look over us, as you always did."
See the family's statement below.
Manaka Ranaka recalls night before daughter's death
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared Manaka Ranaka's recollection of the night before her daughter passed away.
More than a year after Katlego's death, the Stokvel and Generations actress spoke about what she did the night before she died, something she revealed was completely out of character.
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Source: Briefly News
