He was the backbone of the Bala family. Loyiso announced the passing of Sebenzile

Jafta fondly known on their reality show as tatu Jafta. "The Bala Family is

deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, Sebenzile Jafta.

He departed this morning on the 10th of February. Tatu Jafta left us

suddenly, after going to the hospital on Thursday evening. Despite our hopes,

he didn't return. We express gratitude for the time spent with him. May his

soul rest in peace."

HIS PASSING

The eldest of the Bala brothers, Zwai said tatu Jafta's passing was unexpected and came as a shock. They had hoped he would return home after his hospital stay. A close relative to tatu Jafta tells ZiMoja that he passed away after a battle with cancer. "He was okay and was treating the cancer. He fell ill in the week after having an infection and passed away. We all thought he would recover because he had a fighting spirit and believed he would outlive all of us," the family member says. "But it is all in God's plan."

The Bala Family

BATTLING CANCER

Tatu Jafta was popular on The Bala Family reality show for his sense of humour. He startled his fans after disclosing that he got married six months after the passing of his wife. The show took viewers behind the scenes as the family tried to bury their differences and rebuild their relationships. The family had been confirmed for season two when tatu Jafta passed away.