Minister Nathi Mthethwa on the passing of actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa on the passing of Veteran Actress, Shaleen Surtie-Richards

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has learnt with sadness of the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most extraordinary thespians, Shaleen Surtie-Richards, who passed away on Monday 7 June, at age 66.

Surtie-Richards was born in Upington, Northen Cape, on 7 May 1955 and was most famous for her roles such as 'Mattie' on SABC 1 Soapie Generations & 'Nenna' in the long-running M-Net hit series eGoli: Place of Gold.

She received many awards during her decades-long career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Royalty Soapie Awards. While Shaleen was known for her extensive career in the performing arts, she qualified as a nursery school teacher and taught children before making her debut as an actress.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa said, “Shaleen invested her heart and soul into every character she portrayed. Her warmth and sense of humour were infectious and her talent won her international recognition. We will remember her with great fondness for her iconic roles in hit films such as Fiela se Kind, Mama Jack, Treurgrond and Vaselinetjie. Most recently, she starred in the KykNet series, Arendsvlei. She turned every role she touched into an audio-visual masterpiece.”

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture wishes to extend it’s heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Fly high Queen of television, film and theatre.

Media Enquiries:
Masechaba Khumalo: Spokesperson (Minister)
Phone: 082 858 4415
Email: MasechabaK@dsac.gov.za

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