Revered Shaka Ilembe and Yizo Yizo director Teboho Mahlatsi passed away at his home on Monday morning following an illness.
It is understood that the 52-year-old Bomb Shelter Film Productions executive producer succumbed to cancer.
His family confirmed his passing through a statement shared by close friend and comedian David Kau.
“It is with the saddest regret that we announce the untimely passing of filmmaker and producer Tebogo Moseling Mahlatsi on the 3rd of July 2023,” reads the statement.
The family appealed for privacy to mourn the extraordinary Kroonstad-born film producer.
“In lieu of personal condolences, the family kindly requests prayers and that they be given privacy to mourn and come to terms with the tragic loss. Further details will be communicated in due time.”
Mahlatsi’s passing sent shockwaves in the arts and entertainment industry with messages of support pouring in.
Fellow filmmaker and radio host Khanyi Magubane said: “I am at a loss for words. My friend is gone. Producer, writer, director extraordinaire.
“Tebogo Mahlatsi, we were only 16 and 21 when we met at Carlton Centre in 1996. What a journey you’ve had, what impact you’ve made. To the Mahlatsi family, I send my heart.”
In addition to creating the iconic drama series Yizo Yizo in 1999, which is currently showing on Netflix, Mahlatsi co-created the much-talked about Shaka Ilembe series, which is airing on Mzansi Magic.
He also created the emotional film Portrait of a Young Man Drowning in 1999.
Actress and fellow producer Mmabatho Montsho said: “Teboho Mahlatsi’s Portrait of a Young Man Drowning is a relentlessly bleak vision of a man limping through a desolate landscape clutching a bleeding wound.
“He embarks on a search for water to clean his wound, but none is available, except his own sweat.”
Ausi Dini added: “Teboho Mahlatsi told amazing South African stories via TV. With such exceptional attention to detail in a way that made you feel dignified as one, even if the story was heartbreaking and not positive. May he rest in peace, he made us known.”
Mahlatsi also brought productions such as Getto Diaries, Zone 14, Gaz’Lam, For Love and Broken Bones, and Netflix’s hit series Queen Sono to the television screens.
The details of his funeral and memorial service will be shared once they become available.
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