Skip to content
South African Live
Menu
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Politics
  • Fashion
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Business
  • About us
Menu

Minister Gayton McKenzie honours legacy of Soli Philander

Posted on March 5, 2026
52

Zuko Komisa

SA entertainer Soli Philander passes away.

Image | Supplied

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has lauded the late Soli Philander as a vital figure in the nation’s democratic fabric.

In a recent social media tribute, McKenzie emphasised that Philander’s work went beyond mere entertainment; he possessed a “rare gift” for using humour to reflect the complexities of society and unite citizens through their shared humanity.

Philander’s versatile career left an indelible mark on the broadcasting landscape.

He was a household name as the host of the popular Afrikaans music quiz Liriekeraai and the game show Vat ‘n Kans.

Family confirms the passing SA’s Got Talent judge Ian von Memerty

His television presence further extended into satirical politics with Off The Record and the multilingual drama Reflections, demonstrating his range from lighthearted wit to poignant social commentary.

His contributions to the arts were equally significant on the stage and big screen. Philander appeared in numerous films, including The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island and Die Prince van Pretoria.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Minister @GaytonMcK are deeply saddened by the passing of beloved South African entertainer Soli Philander.
Condolences to his family and all who loved his work.
Rus sag, Soli. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/o1Hz1crufQ

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) March 5, 2026

READ NEXT: South Africans urged to evacuate the Middle East as soon as airspace opens amid escalating tensions

The post Minister Gayton McKenzie honours legacy of Soli Philander appeared first on KAYA 959.

Recent Posts

  • 10-man Sundowns see off Arrows
  • Chymamusique claps back at fan demanding refund of medical donations
  • Musa and Thobile relationship turmoil explained
  • Who has the easier schedule?
  • Spar shareholders unhappy with how much executives are set to earn

First established in 2020 by iReport Media Group, southafricanlive.co.za has evolved to become one of the most-read websites in South Africa. Published by iReport Media Group since 2020, find out all about us right here.

We bring you the latest breaking news updates, from South Africa and the African continent. South African Live is an independent, no agenda and no bias online news disruptor that goes beyond the news and behind the headlines. We believe what sets us apart is that we deliver news differently. While we hold ourselves to the utmost journalistic integrity of being truthful, we encourage a writing style that is acerbic and conversational, when appropriate.

LATEST NEWS

  • 10-man Sundowns see off Arrows
  • Chymamusique claps back at fan demanding refund of medical donations
  • Musa and Thobile relationship turmoil explained
  • Who has the easier schedule?
  • Spar shareholders unhappy with how much executives are set to earn

Menu

  • Entertainment
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Tech
  • Fashion
  • Sports
  • About us
©2026 South African Live | Design: Newspaperly WordPress Theme