Mzansi mourns former YoTV presenter Lumko ‘Johnson’ Leqela

by Bona staff

South Africa is still shocked by the sudden death of former YoTV presenter Lumko ‘Johnson’ Leqela who died last night.

According to the family statement, Leqela lived a life filled with purpose and authenticity. Leqela cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Leqela, also known as Lumkeezy made their debut in the entertainment industry on SABC 1’s YoTV. They then pursued a career in television broadcast, radio production and acting.

‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the untimely passing of our beloved Lumko “Johnson” Leqela,’ read the statement.

‘They departed on the 14th of September 2022. Lumko first entered the public realm as a young teenager on the popular SABC 1 YoTV platform. In their own words, Lumko was an “accomplished TV and radio super producer, actor, writer and big deal in most spaces.’

‘This is a gut-wrenching loss to the Leqela family, their loved ones, the LGBTQIA+ community and ultimately to the South African broadcast and television community.’

‘As we process this shock as a community, let us remember their light in this world.’

 

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On social media, YoTV said it was “extremely saddened” by their death.

‘The South African socialite was born and bred in the Eastern Cape with dreams of making it big, and they made sure to leave a mark,” YoTV wrote in the caption to a photo of Leqela. “Your charisma and your passion for media contributed a lot to pop culture, and we believe you influenced the youth of our generation positively.’

‘Rest easy, Lumko; we’ll never forget you,’ read the caption.

 

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Earlythis year, Lumkeezy made a public announcement on their social media platforms about their new journey as a transgender woman.

‘I’m here to share that in the last few months I have been privately reshaping my gender identity, with the assistance of therapy and hormonal treatment. I’ve kept this private to acclimatise my family and close friends to what the possible outcome could be,’ they said.

 

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This how SA reacted to their death.