 actor Ncidaisai Shabangu has passed away. Mzansi actor, writer, and director Ncidaisai Shabangu passed away on Sunday, July 24, at his home in Pumilanga. The news of the actor's passing was posted on Instagram by his close friend Hamilton Dlamini, who's also an actor. Ncidaisai Shabangu passed away yesterday night. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He captioned a photo of him and Shabangu, whom he starred alongside in the rest-aged satirical play, Woza Albert. Shabangu died at the age of 53. He was born in Kwamashu in Durban and later his family was moved to Kenyamazan Township through the Group Areas Act. His interest in acting and stage plays was triggered at an early age. In 1995, he enrolled at Market Theatre Laboratory, and over the years has written and acted in numerous award-winning theatre, film and television performances. The Shabangu family also released an official statement on Ncidaisai's Facebook page. It reads, Dear all, it is with great sadness that the Shabangu family informs you of the sudden passing of Ncidaisai Baldwin Shabangu. He passed on in the early hours of this morning. The family appreciates all messages of condolence and requests privacy at this difficult time. Memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced soon. Lamini told the publication he is very heartbroken and sad as he has lost a great friend, a brother, and someone he learned a lot from. Ncidaisai was an actor, director, and writer, someone who is hard to find in this industry. I am very sad and heartbroken you know, he had a bright future ahead. He was supposed to start shooting Ozalo on Monday and also we were supposed to go to a European tour of the head and the load by William Kentridge in November this year. He was going to play the first lead. I don't know what to say but I'm very heartbroken. I've learned a lot from him. He always said that without formal education you can make it if you work hard, he said. He also shared that he will forever miss his smile and how he would always smile brightly even when things get tough. Lamini also mentioned that he was told that before Shabangu died, he had stomach pains and he vomited. He said he then asked to go lay down and that was the last of him. A family member of the actor, Mbokoza C. Shabangu, told Daily Sun that Shabangu had chest pains, not stomach pain. No, he had chest pains, not stomach pains before he died, he said. The comment section was filled with sad messages and condolences from both his fans and colleagues. At Lerago Underscormbalace, Obawu. At Omilejala, oh my goodness, we were meant to start shooting with him. At Thobani Underscorenzuza, like a thief in the night. Death be not proud. At Cyrilis, the world has lost an actor, a talent of A. Generation. But mostly I will miss that laugh and generous smile.