Tributes are pouring in for former local television and radio personality and community worker, Soli Philander, who died at the age of 65 on Wednesday, March 4.
According to his close friend, Sharon Van Schoor, she confirmed his passing and said Mr Philander was battling cancer for the past few months.
Mr Philander, who grew up in Elsies River, was a large fixture on radio where, in the mid 90s to early 2000s, he was the host on radio stations like Punt Geselsradio and Cape Talk.
He also went through a golden time in television in the 2000s, hosting shows like the musical show, Liriekeraai, the game show, Vat n’ Kans, and the community show, Let's Fix It.
He also appeared in the Kaalgat tussen die Daisies film in the late 90s, as a supporting character, where he acted alongside local acting legend, Frank Opperman.
Most recently, he was a supporting character in the local thriller series, Devil’s Peak, that came out in 2023.
The art community paid tribute to Mr Philander. Comedy legend, Marc Lottering, shared on his social media post: “Not the news I wanted to wake up to!!!!! Crazy.RIP Soli Philander. Thank you for inspiring me to do what I do.”
A statement shared by the Artscape Theatre, said Mr Philander had a unique ability to reflect the heart and soul of our communities through laughter, honesty, and powerful storytelling. “His contribution to the performing arts, both on stage and on screen, leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences,” said the statement.
Another statement by Gayton McKenzie, of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said that Mr Philander has brought laughter, warmth, and insight to the audience in the country for many decades. “His work as a comedian and storyteller drew deeply from the communities of the Cape Flats, giving voice to everyday experiences, with wit, honesty, and compassion,” he said.
Premier Alan Winde shared in a social media post that Mr Philander had a rare gift for capturing the humour and heart of our communities. “His voice, laughter, and contribution to the arts were felt deeply, and he will be sorely missed,” he said.
In recent years, he lived in District Six, where he founded the Soli Philander Foundation over five years ago, which was formed in response to the impact of Covid-19. This organisation helped feed the homeless in District Six, Salt River, Woodstock, and the City Bowl; supports members of the LGBTQ+ community; and helps those battling mental illness.
Mr Philander stayed with Ms Van Schoor in District Six, who is also part of his foundation. "He was the most humble person. Sometimes, I would forget that he is a celebrity," she said.
Ms Van Schoor said that she and Mr Philander moved to Grabouw last year and still continued the work of the foundation on that side. "I want to continue to carry on with his legacy in doing the work of this foundation," she said.
She said that when Mr Philander got ill, he moved back with his family last October. She said the family will be discussing plans for the funeral.
Mr Philander has been divorced from his wife, Toni Philander, over 10 years ago. He leaves behind four children and one foster child.
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