Gayton McKenzie pays tribute to Soli Philander: 'He reminded us who we are'

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has remembered South African comedian and actor Soli Philander as the voice of the Western Cape. 

Philander passed away at the age of 65, following a battle with cancer. 

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Born Silamour Philander and raised in Elsies River, his decades-long career spanned television and theatre.

He was known for his work on television programmes such as South Africa’s Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and Liriekeraai.

He also appeared in several films and television productions, including Devil’s Peak, The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island, and Arendsvlei. 

“Whether performing on stage, presenting on television, or sharing his always-ready humour through radio and public speaking, he possessed the rare gift of making people laugh by reminding us of who we are. 

“What made Soli Philander special was not just that he had obvious talent, but that he used it in such a unique way. His humour carried the rhythms, languages and spirit of the Western Cape, and through it he helped bring the stories of ordinary South Africans into the national conversation,” said McKenzie.