#RIPLumkoJohnson: Mzansi mourns former YoTV presenter

Lumko Johnson was a beloved, larger-than-life media personality who died too soon. The former YoTV host died yesterday after a short stay in the hospital. The death has shocked and saddened the entertainment industry.

Johnson is known for being loud, and in the business world, they were a force to be reckoned with. After starting out as a host on the kids’ show YoTV, they moved behind the scenes and worked on a number of other shows.

YoTV said on social media, “Your charisma and love of media contributed a lot to pop culture, and we thought you had a positive effect on the youth of our generation.”

Their untimely death has shocked people all over the country, and social media is full of touching messages and tributes to the star who died. Several famous people are remembering what they did for the industry.

His best friend entertainment commentator Phil Mphela wrote, “I have cried. I have been processing this since this afternoon. I’m ok. Right now I just wanna celebrate my friend’s life. Lumko would want us to not be morbid but be happy for the life they were granted. Mine is to make sure their contribution lives on!”

I thought our names will trend at the same time when we finally do that Oscars Mzansi red carpet special.

Oh well … #RIPLumkoJohnson

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 14, 2022

Man ☹️🥺🕊️ #RIPLumkoJohnson pic.twitter.com/ySptiHbfS1

— Mohale Motaung (@mohale_motaung) September 14, 2022

This is the person Lumko was.

Public and privately celebrating our creatives. #RIPLumkoJohnson https://t.co/DohWDxbxBR

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 14, 2022

I have cried. I have been processing this since this afternoon.

Im ok. Right now I just wanna celebrate my friend’s life.

Lumko would want us to not be morbid but be happy for the life they were granted.

Mine is to make sure their contribution lives on! #RIPLumkoJohnson pic.twitter.com/6VrV1vXDau

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 14, 2022

If this doesn’t teach us unity as the miginalised community. I don’t know what will.

What a kind person. What an honest person that stood for what right. What a talented individual. What an incredible all rounder. Thank you you for life lessons 💖#RIPLumkoJohnson

— Yaya Mavundla (@YayaRSA) September 14, 2022

Your love was a rainbow, so beautiful, infectious energy and a heart of gold, but gone too soon. #RIPLumkoJohnson 🕊

— Khutso Theledi (@KhutsoTheledi) September 15, 2022

Farewell my friend.

I’m gonna miss our debates.

I’m gonna miss you celebrating other creatives.

I’m gonna miss you cheering me on.

I’m gonna miss you calling me by my full name.

I’m gonna miss your fabulous soul.

It’s just me and @Samora_Mangesi now #RIPLumkoJohnson pic.twitter.com/Yy04YsukFW

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 14, 2022

This is really heartbreaking 💔😞#RIPLumkoJohnson pic.twitter.com/Dxh8uZhuqP

— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) September 14, 2022

Announcing the shocking news in a statement their family said. “It is with great sadness we share the news of the untimely passing of our beloved Lumko ‘Johnson’ Leqela. They departed on the 14th of September 2022 following a short hospitalization. Lumko first entered the public realm as a young teenager on the popular SABC 1 YoTV platform. They went on to nurture a career in television broadcast and media at large. In their own words, Lumko was an ‘Accomplished TV & Radio Super Producer, Actor, Writer and Big Deal in Most Spaces” reads the statement

The family has asked for privacy and respect during this difficult time. The memorial and funeral details will be communicated in due course.

“Details on the memorial and funeral arrangements will be shared by the family in due course. The family asks that the public and media respect their privacy as they deal with this difficult loss” reads the statement.

Rest in peace.