Kutlwano Olifant
COLLEAGUES of veteran actor Nchaupe Pheto have expressed shock at his sudden death.
Pheto, of Meadowlands, died at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Monday. He will be remembered for his roles in numerous TV dramas, including Setwana hits such as Tshipe o Rile Ke Lebelo and Ke Nyala Mang.
At the time of his death he had gone into producing and directing.
Actress Lillian Dube was shocked. “This is sad news indeed,” said Dube, who described Pheto, 58, as a jolly and respectful person. “We worked together back in the days. He enjoyed and loved what he did most.”
Creative Workers Union of South Africa president and actor Mabutho “Kid” Sithole described Pheto as a true actor who contributed immensely to the acting industry.
“It is always a sad moment to lose one of our own. He was an actor, writer, producer and director. To us he was one of those hugely talented people the industry can be proud of,” said Sithole.
Thipe Pheto said his brother died from pneumonia. He had been in and out of hospital for some time until he succumbed to his illness.
“We are surprised and shocked by his death. We never thought he would leave us this soon,” he said.
Pheto, who is survived by his wife and a daughter, will be buried in Rustenburg on Saturday.