Family, friends gather to pay their respects to Soli Philander – SABC News

The late iconic South African comedian and actor, Soli Philander has been described as a father figure to many.
Family and friends paid tribute to Philander at his funeral service at the New Apostolic Church in Athlone, Cape Town.
He died last week at the age of 65.
Philander was renowned for his work in TV, radio and theatre over many decades.
Philander grew up in Elsies River on the Cape Flats. His career began at the Space Theater, one of South Africa’s most important non-racial theatre venues of the 1970s and early 1980s, where he appeared in several productions.
Philander has been described as a father figure to many. He has also been lauded for his activism in community. Family spokesperson, Noel Oostendorp, says Philander was humanitarian who fought against injustice.
“People forget that Soli studied social work. Soli was always a humanitarian. He always fought for the underdog. He always fought for injustice from back in the 80’s when I met Soli. That was who Soli was. If he saw anything that was unjust, any wrongdoing he would fight for it. And that is Soli. So when people think Soli started this now. Soli has been doing that all his life,” says Oostendorp.
SA comedian and actor Soli Philander laid to rest – Noel Oostendorp

WATCH | The funeral of South African comedian and actor Soli Philander, 65, was held in Cape Town. He was celebrated for decades in theatre, TV and radio and for amplifying often-excluded voices. SABC News reporter Mlamli Maneli spoke to family representative Noel Oostendorp. pic.twitter.com/JjR7SebWgE
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 14, 2026

Fellow comedians such as Kurt Schoonraad have praised Philander for paving the way for them to flourish in the industry.
“In my industry he was an absolute best of hope when young performers from the Cape Flats were trying to make it in the industry that was dominated by other groups of people, so he was this beacon of hope and understanding someone to aspire to and then later on he opened a lot of paths for me. He made it possible for me to get involved, organised gigs for him and his wife Toni,” says Schoonraad.
Philander was was renowned for work in TV, radio and theatre which spanned over many decades.
“His love for his God and church was evident through his regular attendance of divine services. Soli could live his life freely as the entire congregation embraced him not because of his background and status but purely because he had the same goal and faith,” says his friend, Hilton Donson.
RELATED VIDEO | Funeral of South African actor and comedian Soli Philander

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