“Such a Sad Loss”: Legendary Author Wilbur Smith Dies at 88, Mzansi Pays Tribute

• Iconic South African novelist Wilbur Smith has died at the age of 88-years-old
• According to a social media post, the author passed after a morning spent reading and writing in his Cape Town home
• Mzansi flooded the comments section with messages of love and condolences for the much-respected author

World-famous South African novelist Wilbur Smith has died at the age of 88. According to a statement on his Facebook page, the author died peacefully at his Cape Town home after a morning spent reading and writing with his wife Niso by his side.

The statement did not disclose the cause of death.

Smith made waves in 1964 with the release of his debut novel, "When the Lion Feeds". The book instantly became a bestseller and led to 15 sequels, eNCA reports.

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Since then his 49 novels have gripped readers from all over the world, selling over 140 million copies worldwide in more than thirty languages.

Smith was definitely an adventurous spirit, gaining his pilot's licence and becoming a scuba diver in his lifetime, SABC news reports.

Check out some of the social media reactions to his passing:

@MrWood007 said:

"My dad’s favourite author, every Christmas I bought him the latest Wilbur Smith book. Such a sad loss, R.I.P."

@short165 said:

@OnlineWat lived in different countries my parents used to write letters to each other discussing his books. We often had 2 copies. Years after both my parents passed away Wilbur signed Golden Fox for them, he was a pleasure to meet and will be sorely missed. A sad day."

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@OnlineWat said:

"Thank you for your books. They guided me from childhood into adulthood, and growing up in Africa I could relate and hope for such adventures! RIP."

Former apartheid president FW de Klerk dies, people of Mzansi pay their respects

In related news, Briefly News previously reported that the last president who ruled under the apartheid government, FW de Klerk, has passed away and Mzansi is in shock.

The former president’s death was confirmed by the FW de Klerk Foundation, revealing that he had passed away as a result of his battle with cancer. De Klerk died in his home in Fresnaye, Cape Town, at the age of 85.

Hearing the news, the people of Mzansi flocked to social media to pay their respects. De Klerk’s presidency was a monumental one that lead to the closing of a very dark chapter in South Africa, and his memory will forever live on in the new beginning of our Rainbow Nation.

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Take a look at some of the posts made in de Klerk’s honour, may let go of anger as a result of his passing:

@MichaelJAvery said:

“With the passing today of FW de Klerk, on the 11th of 11th, one is naturally given to wonder whether we as South Africans will ever find true and lasting peace with each other.”

@MsentiLovestein said:

“FW de Klerk was the best president this country has ever had, I loved him and I send my condolences to his family.”

@khanyzow said:

“I forgive him. RIP old man. You now don't remember any pain or atrocities against mankind. May God bless you FW de Klerk.”

Source: Briefly News