Patrick Shai

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

Biography

Born in Dobsonville, Soweto.

Shai later became an advocate against gender-based violence, and was open about his own 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 the anti-Femicide Champion for the Department of Justice.

Shai passed away on Saturday morning 22 January, 2022, leaving his wife Mmasechaba Shai and two children.

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

In a career that spanned more than 30 years, he acted in productions on stage, film and TV. His first major stage role saw him creating and performing the original “Jakes” in Sophiatown by Junction Avenue Theatre Company. Other appearances 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, Cry, the Beloved Country and Critical Assignment, while TV work included appearances in 7de Laan (playing "Jacob Moloi" between 2017 and 2020), Bophelo ke Semphekgo, Hearts and Minds, Soul City, Generations, Ashes to Ashes, Mission Top Secret, Yizo Yizo, Zero Tolerance, Moferefere Lenyalong, The River (as "Phasha").

, Zero Tolerance, Hillside, Soul City and .

Shai also had an extensive feature film resumé which included His most recent TV role saw him reunite with Sebogodi on screen to play the role of Mr Phasha on 1 Magic's The River.