Veteran South African playwright, actor, musician, poet and cultural activist Sol “Solrah” Rachilo has died after suffering serious burn injuries when his home was gutted by fire in Soweto in the early hours of Friday.
Rachilo died at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto at about 11am on Sunday.
According to information received, Rachilo sustained burn wounds after his shack in Jabulani, Soweto, caught fire on Friday night while he was asleep.
It is alleged that his shack caught fire when a burning candle fell over. He was rushed to hospital, where he died on Sunday.
Rachilo’s untimely death came after veteran actor Sello Maake kaNcube’s foundation pleaded with the government for intervention after discovering the thespian’s dire state of affairs. The foundation asked the government to help Rachilo with food or anything that could restore his dignity, as he was struggling to make ends meet.
His death has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s arts fraternity, with fellow creatives mourning a man whose career spanned more than seven decades.
The South African Arts Creatives Network (SAACN) described Rachilo as a “multi-disciplinary pioneer” whose contribution to the country’s cultural landscape extended across theatre, music, literature and education.
Born in Pietermaritzburg, Rachilo began his professional stage career in 1958 with Union Artists, where he worked alongside renowned figures including Zakes Mokae and Cecil Williams at the historic Dorkay House.
His career later saw him establish himself as a playwright and storyteller, producing his first musical, Three in Number, in 1967. He also authored works including The Township Housewife, published in 1972, and Grounded in Mshenguville, published in 1989.
But Rachilo’s contribution extended beyond his own artistic work.
In 1977, he founded the Cosac Drama Academy, an initiative aimed at nurturing young and underprivileged talent and creating opportunities for aspiring performers.
His influence on generations of creatives was reflected in tributes following his death, with legendary actor Dr John Kani previously describing him as a “walking encyclopedia” of South Africa’s heritage.
The SAACN said Rachilo had left behind a legacy that would continue to resonate in the country’s arts and cultural sector.
“Thank you for paving the way, Ntate. Your profound legacy will forever echo in the heart of South African arts,” the organisation said in its tribute.
A message circulating among members of the creative community confirmed that Rachilo had succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire.
“It’s with a sad spirit that I break to you the passing on of our elder Sol Rachilo at the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto around 11am today,” the message read.
It said further details about his funeral and memorial arrangements would be communicated once released by his immediate family.
Rachilo’s death comes as the creative sector continues to grapple with the loss of some of its most experienced practitioners, leaving behind a body of work and mentorship that has influenced South African arts for generations.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.
