Gauteng mourns the passing of a legend
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation notes with sadness the passing of legendary TV queen Vinolia V-Mash Mashego.
The firecracker who infused energy into the entertainment world back in the 90s as an actress and TV presenter, died in her sleep at her home in Tshwane, Mamelodi. V Mash’s career started when she played Pearl on the then CCV TV show Di Wele Makgolela but she is best remembered for iconic roles such as that of Hilda Letlalo in Generations.
Her career high was hosting SABC 1 programme Jam Alley in the 90s which solidified her as a household name and leader of popular culture. The diva also played a mother figure on the SABC 2 drama Muvhango back in 2010 and recently she was on another SABC2 telenovela, Giyani Land of blood which has since been discontinued.
In 2014 V-Mash hosted Mzansi Magic music show called Please Call Me with legendary Bob Mabena and has made appearances on telenovela Isibaya and drama series Mutual Friends amongst many others. V Mash never retired from entertainment & was still an active personality till her passing, her last TV show being on Moja Love TV, called Bheka Sik; Bambile.
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation Ms Mbali Hlophe said: “Vinolia Mashego opened the door for many young talents that shine today but her energy & talent remain unmatched to this day.”
“V Mash carved a place in many people’s hearts in South Africa and a special place in the history of South African television that can never be matched” the MEC added.
Gauteng is a home of Champions and she was certainly one! She put Tshwane on the popular culture map and her name will forever be synonymous with entertainment. V-Mash coined phrases like ‘Iyooo Bangani Iyooo’ because her following was and remains massive and she taught us the power of influence in an era without social media.
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation sends condolences to Vinolia Mashego’s family, friends & fans. The industry has certainly lost a trend-setter & a legend.
May her big personality continue to live in our memories and may her soul rest in eternal peace. In the words of Minister for Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation Mr Nathi Mthethwa, “V-Mash will be remembered for breathing life into the soul of our nation”.
V Mash, thank you for the memories, for the entertainment and for the heart you put into everything you did.
For media enquiries please contact:
Ofentse Mogotsi
MEC’s Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 066 299 1139
E-mail: Ofentse.mogotsi@gauteng.gov.za
