The Western Cape’s Premier Alan Winde has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, asking that he declare a special provincial funeral for veteran actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards.

Surtie-Richards died at the age of 66 on Monday, 7 June 2021. She was found dead at a guesthouse in Cape Town, where she was shooting scenes for the local Kyknet soap Arendsvlei.

The star was born in Upington, Northern Cape, but grew up in the mother city, where she will be laid to rest on Sunday, 13 June 2021.

“During her career, she won more than 40 awards and acted in numerous movies and festivals in South Africa and London. The beloved actress will always be known for her starring role in Egoli: Place of Gold as Ester (Nenna) Willemse. She also received acclaim for her role as Fiela Komotie in the movie Fiela Se kind,” Winde said.

“The nation has a lost a giant who will be remembered for her immense talent and contributions to our creative industry. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time and look forward to a positive response to our request from President Ramaphosa”

There has been a flood of reaction to Shaleen Surtie-Richards’ death, with many in the arts fraternity paying tribute. Even political parties and other sectors of society have expressed condolences to the star’s family and friends.

“Shaleen Surtie-Richards remains one of strong women who continued to defy the odds of patriarchy in the performing arts industry by claiming their rightful space in the sector. Indeed the industry is poorer without this gigantic Baobab tree,” the ANC said of the actress.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also paid tribute to Surtie-Richards.

“We have lost a household performer whose distinctive energy, artistic versatility and humility touched generations of South Africans for more than three decade,” the Presidency said.

“On stage and screen, Shaleen Surtie-Richards held a mirror to our unjust past and gave us hope for our future as a nation. May her soul rest in peace”