Safta-winning actor Lindiwe Ndlovu, 44, dies

• South African actor Lindiwe Ndlovu has died.
  
• According to her agent she had medical issues and passed away in her sleep.
• Lindiwe won a Safta for her role in the film Little One in 2013.

"It is with heavy hearts and unimaginable sadness that we bring you the news of Lindiwe Thembekani Ndlovu passing in her home this morning 11th January," Gaenore Artiste Management announced in a statement on their Facebook page on Monday evening.

"Her bright, large burning light has gone out and we are devastated to bring you this sad news. To us Lindiwe was family but to many she was so much more. An unsung incredible actress who will leave a huge space in the creative world of acting. Her incredible passion, deep respect for her craft and unrivalled commitment to her career evident in every project she took on," the statement continued.

"What we will remember most is her love and unwavering dedication to her friends and family. She had a larger than life presence that was undeniably infectious to those who loved her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends of which she had many. Lindiwe was part of the fabric of Gaenor Artist Management and things will not be the same without her."

Lindiwe Ndlovu at the 8th annual South African Film and Television Awards. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Veli Nhlapo)

Lindiwe's longtime agent Lynne Higgins confirmed to TimesLive that the actor died in her sleep.

"It's been a very difficult day. She passed this morning. She had medical issues, high blood pressure and so on. She apparently had trouble breathing and passed away in her sleep. I do not know if her death was related to Covid," Lynne told the publication.

Lindiwe is known for her work in films like Little One (2013), Safari (2013), and Winnie Mandela (2011). She also made various TV show appearances including her starring role as Sponono in the local show, Zabalaza. It was announced in December that Lindiwe would be joining the cast of local telenovela, Isono.

The 44-year-old actor won a Safta-award for best actress in a feature film for her role in Little One which was presented to her by American actor Samuel L. Jackson in 2013.