Tributes pour in for legendary veteran actress Mary Twala

Twala died at the Park Lane Mediclinic hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday.

 Several political parties have paid tribute to the veteran actress.

"UMama Mary Twala was a legendary star of stage and screen and leaves behind a proud legacy of a long career and inspiration,” the African National Congress (ANC) said in a statement.

"The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences and support to the family, friends and colleagues of UMama Mary Twala. We thank UMama Mary for her life long dedication to the creative industry.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) described Twala as "a constant and unforgettable presence on our screens”.

"She has made an immense contribution to the South African television and film industry and we will never see a talent like her again", the party said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also paid tribute Twala, calling her "an activist, who used her platform as an actress to raise awareness on issues affecting South African women".

"She was a versatile actress who was able to depict the social and cultural realities of the African society in their purest form.”

Twala was bestowed The Order of Ikhamanga in silver by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

Ramaphosa joined many South Africans in paying homage to Twala, with the president describing her as "unique talent and an endearing human being".

Twala's son, media personality Somizi Mhlongo, took to Instagram where he described his mother as his tree.

Mhlongo thanked South Africans for "loving the phenomenal superstar that is my mother".