Veteran South African actress Mary Twala has died at the age 80.

The news of her death was confirmed by her son and media personality Somizi Mhlongo.

"Today's my late father's birthday.....and my mom decided to respond to his call to join him in heaven.....THE TREE HAS FALLEN... I'm shattered to the core.....but I'd be very selfish if I dont release her.my mom lived to the fullest achieved beyond her dreams.its hurts like hell.I wont lie a day without her calling to either say I love u or give me money.thank u south africa for loving the phenomenal super star that is my mother.she left us peacefully around 11am at parklane pvt hospital as I was on my way to drop off her gown and a few minutes earlier the dr called to say come shes up and jolly now. I arrived a few mon late......LALA MA." posted Somizi.

South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa led South Africans in mourning the icon.

"Like millions of South Africans, I am saddened by the passing of a great icon of our nation’s creative community; someone who was a household name and face to all of us and brought home the joys, the struggles and the humour under pressure that characterises our national life," President Cyril Ramaphosa said. 

Adding "We have lost a unique talent and an endearing human being whose performances brought to life the meaning of being South African, and appealed to South Africans of all generations. We will miss her dearly."

In 2011, Twala was nominated for an Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She received the National Order Award from president Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

She is known for appearing in several productions including Generations, Sarafina, Yizo-Yizo, Muvhango, and many more.