SAFTA-Winning Screenwriter and Actress Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele Dies at 35

South Africa’s entertainment industry is mourning the death of award-winning screenwriter, actress, scholar and entrepreneur Sibusisiwe Gugu Manqele, who died on 22 October 2026 at the age of 35.

Her family confirmed that she passed away after spending more than a week in hospital with a cardiac condition. The announcement has prompted tributes recognising her contributions to South African television, theatre, storytelling and academic research. <Cite refs={[“turn232936search1″,”turn232936search2”]}/>

Born in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, Manqele built a diverse career as a writer, performer, voice artist and creative entrepreneur. As chief executive officer of ContentWood, she contributed to several popular South African television productions, including Skeem Saam, Gomora, House of Zwide and Umkhokha.

Her work reflected a strong commitment to authentic African storytelling, particularly the promotion of indigenous languages. She championed isiZulu through her writing and voice work, helping to bring local perspectives and experiences to television audiences.

Manqele also worked as an actress, starring in the television drama Intersexions 2 and appearing in Saints and Sinners. In theatre, she served as assistant director for Pass Over at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre.

Her achievements across different areas of the creative industry earned her recognition as a multidisciplinary artist whose work extended beyond acting and screenwriting.

Academic achievements and doctoral research

Alongside her creative career, Manqele pursued academic excellence. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts with Honours, an Honours qualification in Creative Writing and a Master of Arts in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand.

At the time of her death, she was a Mellon-funded doctoral candidate in Culture, Communication and Media Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Her research focused on the experiences of Black women showrunners and the role of creative entrepreneurship in South Africa’s television industry. The work explored the challenges and opportunities facing women shaping television production and storytelling.

In a particularly poignant development, her family revealed that UKZN received her PhD examiners’ reports just hours before her death. The reports confirmed that she had met the requirements for the doctorate, subject to recommended minor corrections.

The news highlighted the extent of her academic achievement and the significance of the work she had dedicated herself to completing.

Family remembers her faith

In its statement, the family expressed deep sadness over her passing and thanked those who had offered support, prayers and condolences during the difficult period.

The statement also highlighted the central role of faith in her life.

“Above all, Sibusisiwe loved God, and her faith was at the heart of everything she did,” the family said.

Her death represents a loss not only for her relatives and friends but also for colleagues and audiences who encountered her work across television, theatre and other creative platforms.

Manqele leaves behind a body of work that reflects her commitment to storytelling, indigenous languages, education and the development of South African creative talent.

As tributes continue, she is being remembered for the many roles she occupied throughout her life and for the lasting contribution she made to the country’s entertainment and academic communities.