South African Creative Industry Mourns the Loss of Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele

Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele, a celebrated South African screenwriter, actress, voice artist, and entrepreneur, passed away on Thursday, 22 October 2026, at the age of 35. She died after spending more than a week in hospital due to a cardiac condition, according to statements released by her family and reported by multiple news outlets.

Born in Ulundi, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Manqele developed a passion for storytelling early in life. Her upbringing involved long daily commutes to school, during which she entertained fellow passengers with stories, nurturing her creative voice from a young age. This foundation led her to pursue studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Dramatic Arts, an Honours in Creative Writing, and a Master of Arts in Film and Television.

Manqele’s career spanned writing, acting, directing, and producing. She was widely recognised for her work on popular South African television series including Skeem Saam, Gomora, House of Zwide, and Umkhokha. Her acting credits include a lead role in the award-winning series Intersexions 2 and appearances in Saints and Sinners. Additionally, she contributed behind the scenes as assistant director on the play Pass Over at the Market Theatre during Black History Month in 2021.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Manqele was the founder and CEO of ContentWood, a production company dedicated to telling authentic African stories that often go unheard. Her work consistently championed the isiZulu language and culture, both through her writing and voice-over artistry. She was known for her commitment to elevating local narratives and empowering underrepresented voices, particularly those of Black women in the creative industry.

Manqele was also deeply engaged in academia. At the time of her passing, she was a doctoral candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, pursuing a PhD in Culture, Communication and Media Studies. Her research focused on the experiences of Black women showrunners and the role of creative entrepreneurship in building sustainable careers in the entertainment sector. She was a recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon Doctoral Scholarship and had been recognised as one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2023 for her visionary contributions.

In a poignant moment, the University of KwaZulu-Natal received her PhD examiners’ reports just hours before her death. These reports confirmed that she had met all the requirements for her doctorate, subject to minor recommended corrections, underscoring her academic dedication despite her illness.

Throughout her career, Manqele received accolades for her craft, including winning the Best Achievement in Scriptwriting at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) for her work on Skeem Saam. She was also respected for her mentorship and advocacy within the creative community.

Her family described her as a person of deep faith, with a strong love for God that was central to everything she did. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and fans, who remember her as an inspiring storyteller and a passionate advocate for South African voices and culture.

Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele leaves behind a powerful legacy as a creative force who brought local languages and authentic narratives to the forefront of South African media. Her contributions continue to inspire many in the industry and beyond.