Queer entertainer, artist and activist Soli Philander is being mourned as an influential and beloved public figure by South Africans from all backgrounds.
The country was shocked by the unexpected news that Philander (born Silamour Philander) died at home in Cape Town on Wednesday at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer.
A Trailblazer in South African Entertainment
Philander was born on 19 January 1961 and grew up in Elsies River, Cape Town. They became widely known as a multi-generational stage and television performer. They also presented popular shows, including Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and Liriekeraai.
They created and performed the cabaret character “Rosie September”, which became a memorable part of their stage career. In 2012, they co-hosted the Mr Gay World Grand Finale in Johannesburg
In recognition of their contribution to comedy and entertainment, Philander received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards.
At the time of their death, Philander had planned to star in a film – co-directed by Gabe Gabriel and Ian Gabriel – about South African trans icon Granny Lee, a legendary figure in Johannesburg’s underground disco scene of the 1980s.
Advocate for Marginalised Communities
Philander used their platform to advocate and speak out for marginalised communities, including the trans community and impoverished and unhoused individuals in the Western Cape.
They took part in a 2012 demonstration in Cape Town to protest efforts by traditional leaders to remove the Constitution’s sexual orientation protections.
Philander was married to Toni Philander for 30 years until their divorce in 2015. In 2017, Philander publicly addressed their sexuality and gender identity, telling You magazine that they had been in relationships with both men and women and identified as non-binary.
“It’s exciting to get to a space where I can identify with my true self. This is who I am. I’m not a man. I’m not a woman. I’m Soli, and I’m not going to apologise for that any more,” they said at the time.
Tributes Pour In
Sharon Cox, Health and Support Services Manager at LGBTQ+ rights group Triangle Project, expressed her condolences to Philander’s family and described them as “an activist until the end.”
She said: “In a world and a country, especially in the current climate, that often demands conformity, Soli chose to live authentically. Beyond identity, which is only one aspect of who we are, Soli cared deeply about the world around them. Soli did this, not only in words, but through their actions. They cared deeply for those who are poor, unhoused and food insecure.”
Activist and author Angelo C. Louw said: “Soli was groundbreaking as far as media representation was concerned, both as a queer and Coloured person. They brought both of these identities into homes across South Africa, and forged a relationship between us and the rest of the nation.”
He added: “I will never forget seeing Soli in Kaalgat Tussen die Daisies as a teen and learning something about myself and my community without having the language for it then. I admired their activism and boldness, and owe a fair amount of who I am to the remarkable human being that Soli was.”
Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, said in an official statement that Philander’s “humour carried the rhythms, languages and spirit of the Western Cape, and through it [they] helped bring the stories of ordinary South Africans into the national conversation.”
Gabe Gabriel, who cast Philander in the planned Granny Lee movie, told MambaOnline: “We the filmmakers, we the queer community, and we the world have lost a titan auntie.”
Gabriel explained that production is still expected to start in May, despite “being robbed of that opportunity” to work with Philander on the film, adding: “We are currently searching for the right person to pass the Granny Lee baton to as we will go ahead with making the film which we hope will stand as a kind of homage to all those artists and vagabonds like Soli and Lee who’ve come our way in tales of love and mischief.”
A Lasting Legacy
Philander reportedly passed away surrounded by loved ones. They are survived by three daughters, Danya, Kyla and Lauren, and two sons, Caleb and Ethan.
Their legacy as a fearless performer, activist and trailblazer for queer representation and social justice in South Africa will continue to resonate for years to come.
3 Responses
RIP
ohhhhh noo, may their soul rest in peace, i saw them for the first time and ILGA World Conference in 2024 and i was in awe, i spoke to them when they got off stage and asked for their number. This is heartbreaking. Such an amazing soul, a diva. Fly with the angels love.
Soli will live in us and through us forever, because of the hard work they dedicated their life to. And I don’t mean their career, I mean those actions of providing for those in need. Thank you, Soli, for your leading light. Rest in power.