Final Goodbye: Veteran Actress Meme Ditshego Laid to Rest

LAUGHTER, tears, and heartfelt stories filled Akasia Hall in Tshwane on Saturday, 5 July, as loved ones gathered to bid their final farewell to veteran actress Meme Ditshego.

The 60-year-old actress was fondly remembered as “a dynamite” by those closest to her and was celebrated with warmth and emotion during the funeral service.

Originally from Letlhabile, Brits in North West, Meme passed away on the night of Wednesday, 25 June, after a short illness.

Her passing was confirmed by her agency, Eye Media Artists, following reports that she had complained of body pains the previous week before being admitted to a local hospital, where she later passed on.

Meme was known for her memorable roles in local productions, including Ga re Dumele, Onse Kasi, and Love, Sex and 30 Candles.

Her recent work included portraying Refiloe in the 2021 SADC series Ak’siSpaza, a role in the 2024 telenovela Cobrizi as Teresia’s mum, and an appearance in Netflix’s 2025 series How to Ruin Love.

A former schoolmate shared fond memories of her passion and strong presence even as a student.

“I was so afraid of her because what was I going to say when she responds to me in English? She was opinionated even in sport. In class, she would be active. Before a question was asked, she would raise her hands,” he recalled.

He described her as a caring person who consistently gave back to the community.

Her niece, Lesego, described her aunt as an amazing yet strict figure.

“She was a strict person, and I was one of her victims. As we were preparing for her funeral, we could hear her asking us to do this and that, and we feel like we were failing her,” she said.

Reflecting on the strength of women in the family, Lesego said: “I think it’s because of our grandmother, the woman who raised them. She is a force, and so was my aunt. She would tell you the truth, even when it made you dizzy. She would say, ‘I had to tell you.'”

Lesego also spoke of her aunt’s vibrant personality.

“She was a rainbow and we, as a family, are grey. My aunt would embarrass you in front of people. She would say things in front of people you care about, and wouldn’t care,” she said.

Actor and colleague Boikie Pholo reminisced about their early struggles in the industry.

“When we met, we didn’t have transport from here to Joburg, and she complained to the producer that we can’t be doing that to us,” he said.

He spoke highly of Meme’s dedication to her craft.

“On the show, we would always listen to her because she was good. Even the writers would listen to her because she made the show interesting,” he said.

Boikie described her as a joy to work with.

“We are only seeing now that she was controlling us. What I liked about her is she was particular, even with food. She would complain and say, ‘Why are we eating the same food every day?'” he said.

Expressing the loss felt by those she worked with, he said: “This type of character is not going to be easy to find. The woman who made it easy for us to work. We are definitely going to miss this kind of character.”