Ian von Memerty dies after publicly advocating for end-of-life choice

South African television personality Ian von Memerty has died at the age of 61.

He passed away on 23 February, his family confirmed in a short statement shared on social media.

“We are sad to announce that our beloved Ian von Memerty passed away at the age of 61 in Johannesburg in the early hours of 23 February 2026. As a family, we have done everything we can to love & respect him on his journey.”

From hosting Strictly Come Dancing to serving as a judge on SA’s Got Talent, his commentary was sharp, witty, and loved by many.

CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit remembered von Memerty for his memorable performances and, more recently, his social media series Dying for a Better Life, which drew divided opinions.

In the series, he advocated for individuals choosing to end their own lives, spoke candidly about financial stress, losing loved ones, and his own fears about the realities of ageing.

In his recent videos, which were shared posthumously, Von Memetry explained his choice to end his life on his own terms.

Assisted dying remains illegal in South Africa, and discussions around it remain sensitive. 

“He drew this very important distinction between what he called a calm and prepared end-of-life choice, and differentiated that from suicide, driven by despair.

“Why I was struck by this particular Facebook series, as well as his conversations with John Maytham, is that I am in a particular period in my life where I have ageing parents, where I consider their mortality, and I consider the mortality of myself in relation to my children,” Kiewit said. 

To listen to Kiewit's take, use the audio player below: