Sibusiso Radebe, the award-winning South African dancer, actor, and vocalist, has been reported dead at the age of thirty-seven.
His family members have not released an official statement on the cause of his death but news had it that he had died, following his battle with cancer since last year. His manager, Wesley Mark Gainer, also confirmed his death.
Sibusiso was reported to have been diagnosed with cancer in 2018. He had been undergoing treatment since last year.
The former ‘Backstage’ actor and Yo TV presenter’s close friend, Claudia Kurhula Maluleke, confirmed the news of his death on her Facebook page. She wrote an emotional post about the death of the remarkable dancer and presenter.
She wrote:
“It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved Sibusiso Radebe our Brother and Friend. I’m going to miss so much Sbu Diva, our daily conversations, your constant encouragement and you constant care. I love you so much. #RIP. Rest in Beautiful Eternity, you are in the beautiful heavens, rest well Darling. Go bye my Legend.”
Late last year, Sibusiso Radebe revealed his battle with cancer and the reason he had decided to step away from the limelight.
His post read:
“2019 was the hardest year of my life thus far. I was diagnosed with cancer in late 2018 and began chemotherapy on 14 January 2019. I didn’t anticipate what it entailed, a blessing in disguise perhaps?!
“It was the closest to hell I will ever experience. But I grew up in hardship so I handled it. It was a true do or die period. But I’m not the dying easily type, so I wasn’t about to kick the bucket that easily.
“It was the true test of livelihood on every level. Body, Mind and Spirit were tested and I had the option of choosing. For the first time in life I had that choice and it was challenging and liberating at the same time. I chose life.
“Lord knows why, but I wasn’t ready to die. So I went through watching myself scratching the hair off my head and the skin peeling off my feet with my socks from radiotherapy…
The rest of the hair on my body began to fall off and I looked on in despair.
“People have never understood what an introverted artist I am, but I am. That’s why you’ve never seen me on the cover of any South African magazine or Newspaper. I have always refused. I am very shy. Except on stage or a film camera.
“Being photographed still challenges me, although I have had to deal with it since childhood as a TV child star and Teenage Soapie Star.
“I have accomplished a lot in my life, for which I am grateful. I am 3 years away from 40, and I wonder what it has in store for me…because apparently life only begins then, and I am looking forward to it.”
Since the news of Radebe’s death, tributes have been pouring in on social media:
I worked with Sbu at Backstage. A talented dancer and actor who took his craft serious. Never the one to complain, gossip and confrontational. He carried the confidence of a true thespian assured by his preparedness. #RIPSibusisoRadebe
— Shane Maja (@MajaShane) January 10, 2020
Fam,I'm touched at the passing of Sibusiso Radebe. Y'all would remember him as Vusi from Backstage. One of the greatest 'child stars' to have emerged in SA and a legend at his craft. You inspired many including myself & fought a good fight. Rest easy my King😢#RIPSibusisoRadebepic.twitter.com/6ZsMFo4aVm
— Nathaniel Junior Oliphant (@natjroliphant) January 10, 2020
RIP: Former Backstage star Sibusiso Radebe has died
Known for playing Vusi on the etv soapie, Radebe was also a YOTV presenter — having started his tv career as a presenter on X-Attitude.
He was also an accomplished dancer and musical theatre star. #RIPSibusisoRadebepic.twitter.com/ppUX23S7hM
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) January 10, 2020
He lived his life and fought the fight and now he is gone. May the good Lord welcome your soul. #RIPSibusisoRadebe on the 1of January his Facebook post was "I wish all of you peace and so much love. You are one of the beautiful👼of God now. pic.twitter.com/KXKdQSQNnx
— MbaliLegacy (@MbaliLegacy) January 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/hasandi_maanda/status/1215562916788953089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1215562916788953089&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.all4women.co.za%2F1921724%2Fentertainment%2Fentertainment-news%2Ftributes-pour-in-for-backstage-star-sibusiso-radebe-who-died-on-friday-age-37
https://twitter.com/hasandi_maanda/status/1215562916788953089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1215562916788953089&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.all4women.co.za%2F1921724%2Fentertainment%2Fentertainment-news%2Ftributes-pour-in-for-backstage-star-sibusiso-radebe-who-died-on-friday-age-37
Former BackStage Actor Sibusiso Radebe has passed away. Deepest condolences to the family and friends. Lale ngoxolo Bhungane 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽#RIPSibusisoRadebepic.twitter.com/LY2FSZnS53
— MacAwesomeZA Digital Media (@MacAweSocialMe) January 10, 2020
Sibusiso Radebe was popularly known as Vuzi in ‘Backstage’ soapie on e.tv.
Radebe starred in Backstage for five years, before he got involved in other local productions.
