THE legendary actress wasn't sick when she died.
Actress and performer Nonkosi Frances Ndlazilwana (89) didn't have any underlying or health issues.
The 89-year-old Joburg-based actress died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, 28 February, at her Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, home.
Nonkosi's grandson Mbulelo Katise, known as Mbulelo Ndlazilwana, told Daily Sun that he will remember her for her kind heart.
The 28-year-old actor said he was close with her late gogo.
"I've learned a lot from my grandmother. She taught me to be a giver. She also taught me to love and gave me my biggest gift by teaching and grooming me to be a professional actor from the age of 9," he said.
Mbulelo said her death was a blow to the family because they loved her dearly.
"We'll miss her presence, her jokes and witty sarcasm. There are many things to remember her for, and it can't be one thing. It's the fact that nobody ever stayed hungry when she was around. She made sure everybody ate."
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Mbulelo said gogo Nonkosi made sure everyone around her was happy, and she loved cracking joke.
"She took care of her community and fed them without asking for anything in return. She trained and taught so many actors and actresses."
Mbulelo said the actress afforded them opportunities to appear on TV.
"I'd love people to keep her spirit alive by instilling a strong sense of community in each other and continue to build, support and love one another. Most of all, to give to the less-fortunate," he said.
Mbulelo said his plan is to start a foundation in her honour.
"This will be my contribute to this as well, and I'd appreciate any assistance from the Department of Arts and Culture, as well as anyone willing to help feed and clothe the less-fortunate. I invite them to contact me and assist.
"And to her fans and supporters, they must know she loved all of you very much," he said.
Actor, Aubrey Poo, told Daily Sun that he was touched by the actress' death.
They worked together on the SABC1 series After 9.
"Condolences to her family and loved ones. Anyone who has walked this journey before us as artists paved the way for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today in the industry. May her legacy live on," he said.
Actor Aaron Moloisi said he enjoyed working with her on set.
"What a privilege and an honour to work alongside the legendary uMama Frances on the groundbreaking series, After 9, on SABC 1 (my debut acting career). Thank you for teaching us humbleness on set. Continue resting in power, mama," he said.
Legendary actress Lilian Dube said she would remember Nonkosi for her excellent performances.
"Rest in peace, my beautiful Frances.
"You were beautiful inside and out," she said.
Nonkosi was known for her role as Lydia Maema in the controversial 2007 mini-series After 9 which aired on SABC1.
She also appeared on the SABC2 drama series, Erfsondes.
