WeeklySA_AdminHOAX: Trade union federation SAFTU has withdrawn a condolence message issued after false social media reports claimed veteran actor and cultural activist Mabutho “Kid” Sithole had died. The celebrated performer says he first heard of his own “death” in a radio news bulletin…
By WSAM Reporter
Veteran South African actor, playwright and cultural activist Mabutho “Kid” Sithole has dismissed widespread reports of his death after trade union federation SAFTU formally retracted a condolence message issued earlier this week based on false information circulating on social media.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions admitted that, like many South Africans, it had accepted the viral reports as genuine before later confirming directly with Sithole that he was alive and well.
Speaking to the Weekly SA Mirror yesterday, Sithole recalled the surreal moment he first heard news of his own “death”.
“I first took it as a joke, but the news bulletins persisted all day. I got worried,” he said with a chuckle.
The false reports quickly spread, triggering an outpouring of condolences from friends, colleagues and admirers. “My daughter was also phoned at work by concerned people conveying their condolences,” Sithole said.
“One old journalist friend of mine also called to check whether it was true. I told him he might as well invite me to speak at my own funeral.”
I told him he might as well invite me to speak at my own funeral.
— Mabutho “Kid” Sithole
Still maintaining his trademark humour, Sithole added: “Please convey my best wishes to those peddling the fake news of my death.”
In a statement withdrawing its earlier announcement, SAFTU apologised to Sithole, his family, friends, colleagues and the broader artistic community for the distress caused by the misinformation.
“We sincerely apologise to Comrade Kid Sithole, his family, friends, colleagues and the broader artistic community for the distress and confusion caused by the circulation of this fake news and by our reliance on those reports,” the federation said. SAFTU described the incident as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by misinformation on social media.
While acknowledging that digital platforms have transformed the speed with which information is shared, the federation warned that they have also become powerful vehicles for spreading false information that can inflict emotional distress, damage reputations and mislead the public.
The federation said it was “immensely relieved that Comrade Kid Sithole is alive” and wished him good health, continued strength and many more years of service to South Africa’s arts and cultural sector, as well as to the struggle for the rights of creative workers.
It also urged media organisations, public figures and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing reports concerning the death or wellbeing of individuals.
A revered figure in South African theatre, film and television, Sithole has enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades.
He is remembered for memorable performances in iconic productions including Sarafina!, Generations and Zone 14, and for numerous acclaimed theatre productions that helped define South African storytelling during the 1980s and 1990s.
His talent also earned him roles in internationally recognised films, including The Air Up There (1994), Hotel Rwanda (2004) and Blitzpatrollie (2013).
Beyond acting, Sithole has dedicated much of his life to preserving South Africa’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage. He is the founder of the Ilifa Lethu Institute, a Soweto-based non-profit organisation committed to promoting indigenous languages and encouraging their wider use in education, public communication and community life.
The death hoax may have shocked the country, but it has also served as a timely reminder of Sithole’s enduring legacy as one of South Africa’s most respected cultural icons—and, much to the relief of his family, friends and admirers, a living one.
