![\"Soli](\"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/bloemnewsexpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/soli-p-3-1024x768.jpeg\")
Television audiences came to know him through various shows. He presented the Afrikaans musical game show Liriekeraai on kykNET and hosted the South African version of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? in 2008. In 2005, he fronted the first season of e.tv’s reality show Let’s Fix It.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His acting credits included appearances in Arendsvlei, Dias Santana, Hooten & the Lady, Devil’s Peak and The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island. Earlier roles included parts in the 1992 film The Road To Mecca and the 2001 television movie Diamond Hunters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Radio listeners knew him from CapeTalk, where he hosted the talk show Airborne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond performing, Philander worked as a motivational speaker, master of ceremonies and columnist. He was involved in community work through the Boundless Heart Foundation, participating in projects that included feeding children in communities such as Blikkiesdorp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his statement, McKenzie said artists like Philander played an important role in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“For decades, Philander brought laughter, insight and warmth to audiences everywhere in our country. On behalf of the sport, arts and culture department, and as a longtime fan myself, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the many South Africans whose lives he touched through his work.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Philander is survived by his sons Caleb and Ethan, and daughters Danya and Kyla. He also helped care for a foster daughter, Lauren, during her final year of school with his then wife, Toni, before the couple split in 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cause of death has not been disclosed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Capetonians were shocked on Wednesday morning to wake up to the sad news of the passing of the city’s much-loved entertainer Soli 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