South Africa's entertainment industry is mourning the loss of acclaimed actress Michelle Botes, who passed away on Saturday, December 21st, at the age of 62.
Botes, best known for her iconic portrayal of the formidable Cherel de Villiers-Haines in the SABC3 soap opera Isidingo, succumbed to advanced multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable type of blood cancer affecting the bone marrow.
Botes' battle with the disease spanned two and a half years. In recent weeks, her health had deteriorated significantly following a substantial increase in her cancer count in October. Doctors had given her a prognosis of three months to live. Despite this grim diagnosis, she remained remarkably positive, expressing a hope to explore new holistic cancer treatments in January.
In a poignant interview with Bruis magazine, Botes shared her perspective on her illness: “My doctors said if I can hold out until January, there might be new trial treatments we can try. Whatever awaits me, I am ready. I have complete peace and am deeply grateful for every borrowed day granted to me.” This statement reflects her unwavering spirit and acceptance in the face of adversity.
Her journey with multiple myeloma involved initial chemotherapy with steroids, followed by a stem cell transplant. However, she chose not to continue these treatments due to their debilitating side effects. She explained her decision in a candid interview: "When my friends say they can’t understand why I don’t want to continue with chemotherapy, I explain that I am happy and now peaceful again. More chemo, steroids and transplants might slightly extend my life, but then I am constantly anxious and sick and not fully myself to enjoy life." This highlights her prioritization of quality of life over prolonging her suffering.
"Life is so contradictory," she reflected. "I am dying, but everywhere in nature, there are new signs of life. It brings me joy and peace.” This philosophical outlook underscores her resilience and acceptance of her fate.
Born on October 12, 1962, in Cape Town, Botes' career spanned decades, marked by significant achievements and memorable roles. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in speech and drama (bilingual) from the University of Stellenbosch and later completed a diploma in education at the University of Cape Town.
Her acting career truly took off in 1998 when she joined the cast of Isidingo, instantly captivating audiences as Cherel de Villiers Haines. This role cemented her status as a household name and defined her career for many. She played the part for nine years, returning briefly in 2009.
Botes' talent extended far beyond Isidingo. She graced the screens in numerous productions, including Arende, Konings, Triptiek, and kykNET’s Binnelanders. Her versatility allowed her to portray a wide range of characters, showcasing her exceptional range and skill. In 2020, she joined the cast of M-Net’s Legacy, playing Angelique Price, a role that earned her a Safta Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Telenovela in 2019, a testament to her continued success and recognition within the industry.
Her former husband, actor Ian Roberts, shared his heartfelt tribute to Rapport, expressing his sorrow and admiration: “It’s very sad that Michelle got sick…She went through the whole chemotherapy thing two and a half years ago. After the chemo, she told me it was absolutely terrible and that she would not put herself through chemo again…Her health improved slightly, but then the cancer took hold again. She said, ‘I’m going my own way now.’ It’s tragic for someone like Michelle to be taken away so early…She was such a talented actress and a fantastic mother to our children. It’s very, very sad. In a way, it was also her choice. It was her decision. Michelle was never someone who fluttered around. She was very strong in the sense that she always made decisive choices about what she wanted to do in life, and it was the same with cancer.” Roberts' words paint a picture of Botes' strength, autonomy, and unwavering spirit.
He further added: “Michelle went through the whole terrible cancer process and never said in terms of her treatments, ‘Oh, maybe I made a mistake and shouldn’t have done this or that.’ She was never like that.” This emphasizes her resolute nature and her acceptance of her choices throughout her illness.
Botes' agent, Suzi Howes, also paid tribute, stating: “Michelle was an icon in our industry. She took her work seriously and was passionate about acting. She was filled with grace and had a beautiful spirit.”
This sentiment is echoed by numerous colleagues, fans, and members of the public who have expressed their grief and admiration since her passing. Her legacy extends beyond her remarkable acting career, leaving behind a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Michelle Botes leaves behind two children, a daughter, and a son, with whom she resided in Cape Town. Her contributions to South African television and theatre will be remembered for generations to come.
