Management and staff at SABC1 express their shock and sadness at the news of the untimely passing away of one of the channel’s most popular icons, Mandla Thabethe.

The creative and talented producer had a natural ability to make people laugh at themselves and their surroundings. He was the creator of the highly popular television sitcom, Family Bonds, which kept millions of viewers in stitches with the antics of its comical characters. He was also behind the much-talked-about Scarpin’s comical sketches screened on channel, as commissioned by SABC Education.

“As a channel we were looking forward with great enthusiasm to working with naturally creative and talented young men like Mandla, to ensure that our dynamic programming is taken to even higher heights. We feel especially robbed by his sudden accidental death, says Vukile Madlala, SABC1’s Publicity Manager.

The brand created by Mandla led to nominations from the film and TV fraternity. SABC1 garnered much success from Family Bonds, where ARs exceeded expectations. The sitcom was one of the highest rated shows on national television, and this year received five nominations for the SAFTAs, including one for Mandla as best actor in a comedy.

Mandla Thabethe was an avid rider, who was in the Soweto Rider’s Association, where they were involved in many charity drives.

"The comedy team in Content Hub Drama who worked closely with him will miss his humour and ability to create distinctively South African comedy. Bongo, as he was affectionately known, is a house-hold name and he will be missed by all,” says Kethiwe Ngcobo, Head of Drama - SABC Content Hub.

SABC1 extends its condolences to his immediate family; friends; and to his production team, as well as to all the people of South Africa.