The South African entertainment industry gathered at The Bioscope venue at 44 Stanley to bid farewell to comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, who tragically passed away by suicide on Friday, 7 March 2025. The memorial service was an emotional yet heartfelt celebration of his life, filled with laughter, tears, and cherished memories.
Despite bringing joy to many, Ebenhaezer silently battled personal challenges behind the scenes. Friends, family, and fellow comedians remembered him not just for his incredible talent but for his warmth and selflessness. “As a comedy community, we knew him one way, but all of you being here reflects how he built his own community with his presence,” comedian Mojak Lehoko shared in his speech. “He was deeply empathetic, talented, charismatic—but at night, he was chaotic! Ebenhaezer after dark was something else,” he added, bringing some laughter to the grieving crowd.
Mojak also spoke about Ebenhaezer’s kindness, recalling how he would often check in on others. “He was inquisitive about us as people and would constantly ask, ‘Are you okay?’ If someone were to ask me that now, the answer would be no. There isn’t an easy way to navigate this, but we have each other,” he said.
Fellow comedian Bongani Dube took a moment to express gratitude to Ebenhaezer’s neighbour, Phil, who was the first to find him. “He showed this man love, patience, friendliness, and kindness,” Bongani said. In a bittersweet moment, he humorously added, “When we arrived at the scene, he was kind enough to let us use his bathroom. I think we used about seven rolls of his toilet paper that day. I’m sorry about that,” sparking a moment of much-needed laughter.
Speaking to Drum after the service, Phil, still overwhelmed, struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his last moments with his friend and neighbour.
In a statement confirming his passing, the Dibakwane family expressed their heartbreak. “The past few days have been excruciating for us as we battle to deal with this loss. Preliminary evidence suggests that Ebby died by suicide, which we expect will be confirmed by the postmortem examination,” they shared.
They also highlighted his long struggle with depression, despite his ability to make others laugh. “While his passing is devastating for us and for many who loved him, it is our prayer that this tragedy may remind all of us of the need to look out for each other while taking care of our own mental health, including seeking professional help where necessary.”
