South Africa: The famous Yo-TV presenter Lumko ‘Johnson’ Leqela, famous for their starring role as a gay fashion designer MJ in Mznasi Magic, died on Wednesday as per a family statement shared on social media.
The statement reads: “It is a great sadness that we are going to share this news with you all of the untimely passing of our beloved Lumko “Johnson” Leqela.
“They departed on the 14th of September 2022. Lumko first entered the public realm as a young teenager on the popular SABC 1 YoTV platform.
“They nurtured a career in television broadcast, radio production and media at large. In their own words, Lumko was an “accomplished TV and radio super producer, actor, writer and big deal in most spaces.”
This is a big loss to the Leqela family, their loved ones, the LGBTQIA + its community and ultimately to the South African broadcast and television community.”\
According to the family statement, Leqela lived her life fully, especially with purpose and authenticity.
“As we process this shock as a community, let us remember their light in this world.”
However, the cause of death is still pending to be announced.
Family demands privacy during these hard times.
Tributes have continued to pour in on social from fans and friends since the news of Leqela’s death broke.
This year, in April, the Mthatha-born star publicly announced his journey as a transgender woman.
He mentioned: “Entering an interesting phase of my life and wish that I could come earlier. The birth of the identity never happens in secret because you unravel before everyone who watches.”
“I’m here to share that in the last few months, I have been privately reshaping my gender identity with the assistance of therapy and hormonal treatment. I’ve kept this private to acclimate my family and close friends to the possible outcome.”
“Find your strength and don’t forget to re-do your mascara after every toilet cubicle breakdown as you feel like you’ve disappointed the “mommy’s little boy” trope❤️🏳️⚧️”
Leqela achieved a black belt in karate while in high school, where he also participated professionally in children’s theatre and musicals.
They went on to pursue a degree in Drama & Film at Wits University, where they also got into campus radio, subsequently hosting their weekday morning show.
Below are some of the tributes on Twitter:
#RIPLumkoJohnson https://t.co/CzOOWzixD0
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 14, 2022
Rise in Power rainbow child💔 #RipLumkoJohnson 🌈 🌈 pic.twitter.com/AJ8KHfi54s
— PennyLebyane💚PennyLebyaneDotAfrica (@PennyLebyane) September 14, 2022
People say being different is being queer, hhaybo being different was being Lumko, NOT problematic, being honest and just incredible as a person.
I haven't met someone who was so honest to me like Lumko, and they never shamed me in public while doing it 💖 #RIPLumkoJohnson
— Yaya Mavundla (@YayaRSA) September 14, 2022
This is really heartbreaking 💔😞#RIPLumkoJohnson pic.twitter.com/Dxh8uZhuqP
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) September 14, 2022
