Shaun Mynhardt from the Museum for South African Legends has confirmed to the SABC that she passed away in a guest house in Cape Town where she was working on a television show.

Further details are still sketchy.

Surtie-Richards is perhaps best known for her starring roles in the 1988 film Fiela se Kind and as Nenna in the long-running series Egoli: Place of Gold.

She has performed in both Afrikaans and English.

The 66-year-old actress was born in Upington. She qualified as a kindergarten teacher, working as one in Upington and Cape Town between 1974 and 1984.

She had recurring roles in popular South African soapies Generations and 7 de Laan. She also had roles on radio as a narrator.

In 1985, Surtie-Richards received the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards for her role as Hester in Athol Fugard’s Hallo en Koebaai, an award she also received in 2009 for her performance in Shirley Valentine. In 2014, she was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Royal Soapie Awards. She was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Naledi Theatre Awards in 2015.

Tributes have poured in on social media for the late actress, with some describing her as an icon that was full of life.

SABC News