Silamour Philander
Birth date19 January 1961
Birth placeElsie's River, Cape Flats, Cape Town, South Africa
Death date4 March 2026 (aged 65)
Death placeCape Town, South Africa
OccupationActor, presenter, radio personality
Notable worksAre You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, Let's Make a Deal

Silamour Philander (19 January 1961 – 4 March 2026), professionally known as Soli Philander, was a South African actor, comedian, director, television presenter and radio personality.[1] He is best known for his work in South African media and theater, particularly for his advocacy and performance of "Kaapse" (Cape) culture and the Kaaps dialect.[2][3][4]

Early life

Philander was born and raised in Elsie's River on the Cape Flats.[5] His upbringing during the Apartheid era significantly influenced his creative output, which frequently addresses themes of identity, race, and the unique socio-cultural landscape of the Western Cape.[6][7]

Career

Television and films

Philander became a household name as the host of several major South African television programs, including the local version of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and Let's Make a Deal.

Filmography
YearTitleRoleNotes
1982Verkeerde NommerThiefFilm
1988Dot en KieJean-Pierre de KampTV series
1991The Road to MeccaKeesFilm; Dir. Athol Fugard
1992KideoTimothy TraddleChildren's TV
2000–2008LiriekeraaiHostMusical game show
2007Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?HostGame show
2008Let's Make a DealHostGame show
2010Doen met 'n Miljoen!HostGame show
2016Snaaks GenoegSollyFilm
2023Devil's PeakPrincessTV series

Radio

Philander has held major slots on South Africa's leading radio stations, including

Theater

A prolific stage performer, Philander's work often promoted the legitimacy of the Kaaps language in literature and performance.[9][10]

  • Waiting for Godot (1980) – Performed at the Baxter Theatre.
  • Take Two (1991) – One-man show at The Laager.
  • Woeskroes – Writer and performer.
  • Nice Coat (Lekker Jas!) (2017) – Performed at the Baxter Theatre.

Death

Philander died of cancer in Cape Town, on 4 March 2026, at the age of 65.[11][12][13][14]

Awards and recognition

In 2019, Philander was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards. The award recognized his four decades of contribution to the South African performing arts and his role in elevating Cape culture.[15]

  • Artes Award for Best Television Presenter.
  • Fleur du Cap Theatre Award—Lifetime Achievement (2019).

References

  1. ^ https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/sa-entertainer-soli-philander-passes-away/
  2. ^ TVSA. "Solly Philander". Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  3. ^ "Soli Philander dies at 65 after battle with cancer". Cape Town ETC. 2026-03-05. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  4. ^ "Iconic entertainer Soli Philander has died". Jacaranda FM. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  5. ^ Beyers, Lise (2026-03-05). "Cape Town mourns entertainer Soli Philander" (in en-ZA). NovaNews. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  6. ^ Staff (2021-03-15). "Solly Philander: A life in the spotlight". IOL
  7. ^ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo. "Comedy legend Soli Philander passes away!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  8. ^ Reporter, Smile Staff (2026-03-05). "South Africa mourns beloved entertainer Soli Philander". Smile 90.4FM. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  9. ^ "The Arts in Cape Town: Solly Philander". Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  10. ^ Africa, AlgoaFM South. "Website". www.algoafm.co.za. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  11. ^ McCain, Nicole. "Comedian and actor Soli Philander dies at 65". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  12. ^ Clarke, Camray. "Veteran actor Soli Philander dies at 65". EWN. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  13. ^ "Soli Philander has died of cancer". TimesLIVE. 2026-03-05. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  14. ^ "South Africa: Comedian and Actor Soli Philander Dies - South African News Briefs - March 5, 2026". allAfrica.com. 2026-03-05. Retrieved 2026-03-05.
  15. ^ "Soli Philander receives Lifetime Achievement award". SABC News. 2019-08-25.