Busisiwe Lurayi dies: Cause of death, biography, reactions

Busisiwe Lurayi's body was discovered in her home, on Sunday.

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busisiwe lurayi

South African actress Busisiwe Lurayi ruptured the internet on Monday, when news of her untimely passing was confirmed.

Busisiwe Lurayi dies: What’s the cause of death?

Details around the actress’ death are still murky, and our attempts to get comments from her reps were unsuccessful at the time this article was published.

In a statement released by the family via her management agency, Eye Media Artists, it’s revealed Lurayi passed away at her home on Sunday and, moreover, her death was confirmed by medical personnel.

“The reason for her death is still unknown as we await the results of the autopsy report,” the statement read.

Updates on Lurayi’s cause of death will be provided when more information trickles in.

Busisiwe Lurayi biography

Before her tragic death, Lurayi was a well-respected South African actress, renowned for her role as Tumi in Netflix’s How To Ruin Christmas sequel.

Not much information is available on Lurayi’s background, but in an interview with the late Dr Sindi van Zyl on Kaya FM, the actress revealed that her childhood was best described as nomadic.

“If I had to count the number of schools I went to, I’d lose count because we moved around so much,” she said.

Her acting career started in 2003, when she featured in a musical remake of the 1992 cult classic Sarafina. At the time, her on-screen talents were a secret she kept from her family, whose expectations were to see her pursue a formal education in architecture or diplomacy.

However, very soon, with her natural talent attracting gigs, Lurayi had no choice but to live her truth. Two years later, in 2005, she landed her first major role as Phumzile on SABC 1‘s hit comedy series, City Ses’la, and while she only spent a season on the show, her performance earned her a SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards) for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Comedy.

Lurayi used the success of her on-screen debut to catapult a well-decorated acting career and since then, she’s starred in:

  • How To Ruin Christmas
  • Change Down S1
  • City Ses’la S1 and S4
  • ER S12
  • Generations S1
  • Home Affairs S4
  • Intersexions S2
  • Lockdown S2
  • Million Rand Money Drop S1
  • S.I.E.S S1
  • Ses’Top La S1-4
  • Sokhulu & Partners S1-2
  • Vutha S1
  • Wild at Heart S2

Reactions to Lurayi’s death

News of Lurayi’s untimely passing ruptured the internet as soon as the family statement surfaced. Here are some of the reactions from the actress’ fans and peers: