Katlego Sekhu

Renowned South African actress Michelle Botes passed away on Saturday morning in Cape Town at the age of 63.
Her agent, Suzi Howes, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement: “We are deeply saddened by her passing. She was an icon of our industry, embodying grace and a beautiful spirit. She will be greatly missed. Our sympathies and condolences go out to her family and loved ones.”
In her final interview with Bruis a few weeks ago, Michelle Botes shared her journey of battling advanced multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer affecting the bone marrow.
Diagnosed in July 2022, she had been living with her son Daniel and his wife Nolene in Observatory, Cape Town.
Initially treated with chemotherapy and a stem transplant, she opted out of further invasive treatments, prioritising quality of life over aggressive medical procedures. Despite holistic treatments from November, her condition rapidly deteriorated in recent weeks.
Michelle is fondly remembered for her iconic portrayal of the cunning Cherel de Villiers-Haines in the soap opera Isidingo, a role that earned her widespread acclaim and solidified her legacy as one of South Africa’s finest actresses.
Tributes have been pouring in for Michelle Botes on social media.
You invented villain in SA the soaps. Brilliant, believable and an actor. We will never forget Cheryl de Villiers Haines Le Roux Holmes because of your artistry Michelle Botes. #RIP 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/wWXt2oVhxr
— Qhudeni (@BongaDlulane) December 21, 2024
Michelle Botes is deeply etched into SA television history. Captivated an entire generation, night after night with her unrelenting portrayal of our best villain.
— menace (@Angelinahhhhhh) December 21, 2024
How lucky were we to watch an actor of her calibre at work. Rest easy, oh I have loved you my whole life 🥹✨ pic.twitter.com/XEzWbkI2KT
On behalf of the African National Congress (ANC), I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Michelle Botes.
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 21, 2024
Michelle was a beloved figure in South African television, renowned for her portrayal of Cherel de Villiers in the SABC3 soap opera… pic.twitter.com/ZkAcPdkYCG
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