Ken Gampu, one of South Africa’s most well-known film actors and a pioneer of the local film industry, has died after a career in film of almost five decades.

After appearing in at least 30 films, Ken Gampu’s commitment to his craft served as encouragement and a shining example for aspiring young performers.

Ken Gampu contribution to the local film industry was exceptional. He appeared in the film of Eddie Domingo and Bertha Egnos’s musical Dingaka in the late 1960’s. The tall, proud and imposing actor was much in demand and he went on to appear in The Slave, The Wild Geese, King Solomon’s Mines and Tigers Don’t Cry.

His talent will be sorely missed.