Patrick Shai

Patrick Shai (19**-2022). Actor on stage and screen.

Biography

Shai was also an advocate against gender-based violence and had been open about his history as an abuser and how it has impacted his relationship with his family.

He went on to become a Brother’s For Life Ambassador, Community Safety Ambassador and was currently the anti-Femicide Champion for the Department of Justice.

Shai passed away on Saturday morning 22 January, 2022. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

The award-winning actor appeared on numerous stage plays, feature films and television productions like His first major role was creating and performing the original “Jakes” in Sophiatown by Junction Avenue Theatre Company. Other appearances on stage include For Your Ears Only, Maru, Nongogo, Tooth and Nail.

In 2007 he was a member of the NAC panel of experts and chair of the panel on theatre and performance.

He appeared in many feature films, including The Sheltering Desert (1991), Fools, Taxi to Soweto, Place of Weeping, Hold My Hand I'm Dying and Lambarene, while TV work included appearances in 7de Laan, Bophelo ke Semphekgo, Soul City, Generations, Ashes to Ashes, Zero Tolerance and most recently, The River.