South African musician Thandiswa Mazwai shared a heartfelt post honouring the late Maria McCloy, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. The publicist and fashion designer sadly passed away on Tuesday evening, 12 May 2026.
Also see: Media industry giant Maria McCloy passes away at 50
Thandiswa Mazwai remembers Maria McCloy
The Bongo Maffin member took to her X account on 17 May 2026, sending her respect to the woman she described as being loved by many. She wrote in her post, “What Maria shows is that if you live your life full of friendship and service, you will leave a monument when you die. Rest in tea cups and bangles, my friend. Rest in giggles and creative hateration. Rest in sneakers and gold nails. Rest in the music.”
She added, “I haven’t been able to post about that day at the hospital, and I don’t know how to make sense of your passing. But rest, Riri.”
See Thandiswa’s post below.
What Maria shows is that if you live your life full of friendship and service, you will leave a monument when you die.
Rest in tea cups and bangles my friend.
Rest in giggles and creative hateration.
Rest in sneakers and gold nails.
Rest in the music.I haven’t been able to… pic.twitter.com/nQz4SCnIfo
— THANDISWA MAZWAI (@thandiswamazwai) May 17, 2026
Also see: ‘You connected us’: Claire Mawisa pays tribute to Maria McCloy
South Africans react to Maria McCloy tribute
Many local members of the online community gathered in the comment section to show their love for the late Maria.
@macychaba shared under the post, “She was so sweet, bathong. I remember the only time I met her at the market in Maboneng back in the day. (I think I saw you there on the same day, you just looked and smiled at me as we walked past each other lol.) I was wearing a simple bodycon dress with Ndebele art.”
@Mamomntana wrote to the artist, “Deep heartfelt condolences to you, King Tha!”
@FasslerMarianne said to Thandiswa, “All of us untethered without her. Thank you and Anokhi for leading us this week and going forward in Maria’s spirit.”
Also see: Joe Nina performing at Maria McCloy’s last birthday party warms hearts
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
