Many people may know the late Candy Moloi as the popular actress who played Vho Makhadzi in SABC2 soapie, Muvhango, or the mother of the beautiful model and actress Lerato Zah Moloi, or even both. The late actress had a remarkable career in the South African movie industry, which makes talking about her life and death worth the time. Besides being a renowned actress, she also has a daughter, Lerato Moloi, who has also established herself in the movie industry.
Sadly, after so many achievements, she knocked on death’s door. Her death was a huge loss to the South African movie industry. To keep her blessed memory alive, let’s talk a little about the life and death of Candy Moloi.
The Late Veteran Actress Candy Moloi Was Born In 1953
Candy Moloi has played several roles in different movies, but she is best known for her role as Vho-Makhadzi in Muvhango, which she played from 1997 to 2008. She was born on the 10th of February 1953 in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Although she is popularly known as Candy Moloi, her actual birth name is Mukondeleli Moloi. She attended a community school in her community and also earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
However, her actual courses of study are not known. The name of her mother, father, and siblings is also not publicly known. There is little or no information regarding Candy Moloi’s background and the kind of family she came from. More than that, nothing is known about her educational background. Rather than staying on the unknown, let’s talk more about the things that are known.
She Was A Superstar Of South African TV Before Her Death
Mukondeleli Moloi played many major roles in several South African soap operas before she passed away. However, the most prominent among the lot would be her role as Vho-Makhadzi on the SABC2 soapie, Muvhango – a role she played for eleven years. From July to August 2008, she played the role of MaModumedi in the mini-drama series Death of a Queen, which aired on SABC1 as part of the channel’s Shakespeare in Mzansi.
In 2014, she was featured in the SABC2 thriller series Thola, where she played Fhatu Neluvhola, the mother of Dibuseng. In 2019, she was featured in the SABC2 drama Giyani – Land of Blood. She played the role of Vho-Phophi Baloyi. After playing the starring role of Vho-Makhadzi for eleven years, Candy Moloi earned herself the award of Best Supporting Actress in a Soapie at the SAFTAs.
Quick Peep Into Candy Moloi Achievements
- The roles and awards she has received prove that she is one of the top female actresses in South Africa.
- Candy Moloi was a brand ambassador to many top brands.
- She was involved in community programs to help South African regions gain access to better health care and education.
- As of 2020, she had an estimated net worth of $1 million.
The Veteran Actress Appeared in Several Productions With Her Daughter, Lerato Moloi
Candy Moloi was said to be married, and although her husband’s name and identity remain a mystery, she had two children – a son named Tshepo Moloi and a daughter named Lerato Moloi. Nothing much is known about her son, Tshepo, but the same can’t be said of her daughter. Although playing the role of Vho-Makhadzi made Candy Moloi famous, her fame increased when Lerato Moloi became a child star.
Lerato Moloi started as a model at the age of 17. Through modeling, she gained both national and international fame, becoming the face of multinational brands. She also followed the footsteps of her mother and became an actress. She has starred alongside her mother in some of her features, including SABC2 soapie Muvhango and Thola, where she played the role of Refiloe and Lufuno Ndou, respectively.
Candy Moloi and her beautiful daughter Lerato Moloi had an amazing relationship. The latter was so attached to her mother, and it is obvious that they enjoyed each other’s company. Having said that, the kind of relationship the veteran actress share with other members of her family is not known.
Candy Moloi Kicked The Bucket At The Age of 67 After A Long Battle With Cancer
On the 28 of July 2020, in the middle of the global coronavirus pandemic that made most countries of the world go on a lockdown, it was confirmed that the veteran and award-winning actress Candy Moloi had passed away. It was a great loss, not just for her family but also for the movie industry and fans at large, as the country did not see her death coming.
However, at her mother’s memorial service, Lerato Zah Moloi revealed that her mother had been in and out of the hospital for the past two years. Finally, after a long battle with cancer, she gave up the battle in a hospital at Pretoria.
#RIPCandyMoloi the body of Mme Mukondeleli Candy Moloi arriving at her home in Bryanston, North of Johannesburg. Her daughter, Lerato Moloi, leads the procession. It’s Mme Candy’s memorial service today. @eNCA pic.twitter.com/4yqgWWCRvP
— Masego Rahlaga (@MasegoRahlaga) July 30, 2020
Candy Moloi was survived by her husband, daughter, Lerato Moloi, son, Tshepo Moloi, and two grandsons. So many fans took to social media to pay tribute to the veteran actress. As a result of the COVID-19 lockdown protocols and government regulations, only family and close relatives were permitted to attend her funeral to observe social distancing measures. She was buried in her hometown Thohoyandou in Limpopo.
Her Death Was A Devastating Experience For Her Family
Nthabiseng Moloi, the family spokesperson who confirmed Candy Moloi’s death, said her death was a huge loss to the family, and it was devastating for all of them. She added by saying many people call Candy “Makhadzi,” and that was what she was to them. She said the veteran actress meant so much to everyone.
During her memorial service, her daughter Lerato recounted her last times with her mother. Lerato said she could not visit her mother often while she was at the hospital due to the government protocols regarding the coronavirus pandemic. When she saw her mother for the last time, she begged her not to leave yet because she was unsure what life would be like without her. Lerato said her world makes no sense without her mother. But Candy had exhausted all the fight left in her, and after a long battle with cancer, she gave up as she couldn’t fight it anymore.
Little or nothing is known about “Makhadzi” husband and son, Tshepo, so it is a bit difficult to know what they are up to now. However, her famous daughter, Lerato Zah Moloi, is endearing herself to fans with her amazing looks and outstanding screen performances.
