Online Reporter
JOHANNESBURG. – South Africans will soon have an opportunity to say their final goodbye to veteran entertainer Soli Philander, whose funeral arrangements have now been officially announced following his death last week.
Philander’s funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11am at the New Apostolic Church Silvertown Congregation on Durant Road in Athlone, Cape Town.
The service will be followed by a private cremation.
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be live-streamed online, allowing fans and admirers from across the country to pay their respects to the much-loved performer.
Philander died on Wednesday, at the age of 65, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the South African entertainment industry and beyond.
The veteran actor, comedian, radio and television presenter was widely regarded as one of the country’s most distinctive voices in comedy and storytelling.
His death was confirmed by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who described Philander as a cultural figure whose work resonated deeply with ordinary South Africans.
“I learnt with deep sadness tonight of the passing of Soli Philaner, one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainers, storytellers and cultural voices,” McKenzie said.
“For decades, Soli Philander brought laughter, insight and warmth to audiences everywhere in our country.”
Philander, who hailed from Elsies River in Cape Town, built a career that spanned theatre, television, radio and film.
His humour, often rooted in the everyday experiences of communities on the Cape Flats, resonated with audiences and made him a familiar face on both English and Afrikaans platforms.
Award-winning comedian Marc Lottering said seeing Philander perform early in his life left a lasting impression.
“I was still a law student when I remember seeing Soli on stage. Soli had created a character called Rosie September,” Lottering recalled.
“I was blown away to witness such skill, such intellect, such authenticity and such an ability to make a packed theatre roar with laughter.” – IOL
