In memoriam: Famous deaths of 2016
In 2016, the world said goodbye to some famous faces. Most were adored, some loathed - but each of their deaths made a significant impact on the world in general. From Prince to Mandoza - Newswatch takes a look at some of the biggest names who have passed away this year.
It's been a year of tragedy and sadness, with the passing of music legends, authors, actors and athletes alike.
These are some of the famous - and infamous - who have died in 2016:
Rock music legend, David Bowie, had been battling cancer at the time of his death in January. The iconic musician was 69. News of his death sent fans and the music industry alike into collective mourning. Bowie died peacefully, surrounded by his family - after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer.
69-year-old veteran British actor, Alan Rickman, died in January - from cancer. Rickman, who won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA during his career as a film, television and theatre actor, was well-known for his portrayal of menacing villains - including the role of Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movie franchise.
The literary fraternity bid farewell to one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, when author Harper Lee died in February this year at the age of 89. The 'To Kill a Mockingbird' author died in her sleep.
Legendary singer-songwriter, Prince, passed away on April 21 this year - from a rumoured overdose. The iconic pop star was 57. News of his death sent fans into a frenzy, with a number of celebrities paying tribute to the late muso on-stage, and on social media.
Boxing titan, Muhammad Ali, died in June this year, aged 74. Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Century" had been battling Parkinson's Disease for 32 years.
The tragic death of beloved South African motorcross driver and adventurer, Gugu Zulu, happened whilst he was participating in a charitable initiative. He died in July while summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with his wife, Letshego, during a Trek4Mandela charity climb - on what would have been Madiba's 98th birthday. Zulu had complained of flu-like symptoms prior to his death. He was 38.
Best-known for his role as the titular character in 1971 movie rendition of the Roald Dahl classic, Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, actor Gene Wilder passed away in late August - aged 83. He died from complications with Alzheimer's Disease.
US golfing great, Arnold Palmer, died in September while awaiting heart surgery. He was 87. Palmer was viewed as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.
South Africans were in mourning following the death of Kwaito legend, Mandoza, in September. The 38-year-old singer had been battling terminal cancer.
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Shimon Peres, died in late September - two weeks after suffering a debilitating stroke. The beloved elder statesman was the ninth President of Israel (2007 - 2014), and was instrumental in establishing lasting peace with the country's Arab neighbours.
The death of AIDS activist and Zuma rape accuser, Fezekile 'Khwezi' Kuzwayo, amassed mixed reaction in the country. Khwezi died in October at the age of 42 -reportedly from HIV complications. She was vilified and forced to flee the country, after accusing Zuma of rape in 2005.
Hallelujah singer Leonard Cohen died in November at the age of 82. According to his manager, Cohen's death was the result of a fall at his home on the night of November 7, and he subsequently died in his sleep. He had been battling cancer at the time.
Clive Derby-Lewis was a controversial South African figure - famously known as the mastermind of the murder of SACP leader Chris Hani, in 1993. He died in November from terminal cancer - after being released on medical parole from a Pretoria prison, last year.
The death of Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, in early December, heralded the end of an era in that country. The 90-year-old former statesman ruled Cuba for half a century - before handing the reigns over to his brother, Raul, in 2008.
South African gospel singer, Sfiso Ncwane, died from kidney disease at a Johannesburg hospital, in December. The beloved musician was 37. His death brought about an outpouring of love and tributes on social media - with politicians, fellow musicians and fans alike reacting to the news.
The death of iconic pop rock legend George Michael on Christmas day 2016, dampened many a Christmas spirit. The former lead singer of the band Wham! died at the age of 53. It's believed that he died of heart failure - after years of rehab for drug, sex and alcohol abuse.
Just a day after George Michael's death, came the news that Hollywood legend, Carrie Fisher, had died after suffering a massive heart attack. Fisher, who will be forever immortalized on screen as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise, was 60 at the time of her death.
Tragically, Fisher's mother - tap-dancing screen siren of Hollywood's golden age, Debbie Reynolds - died a day after her daughter's death, after suffering a massive stroke. She was 84.
