"We feel your pain": Beloved 76-year-old social media sensation Gogo passes away, Mzansi mourns

Sarah Malinga, known as 'South Africa's Gogo', passed away on 17 October 2026 at the age of 76
Her granddaughter and content creator @kayy_moloi shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, saying her heart was broken
South Africans flooded the comments with condolences, remembering Gogo for her warmth, humour, and unforgettable videos

Mzansi viewers were devastated by the news and sent their condolences to the family — An Instagram post by a granddaughter confirmed the death of social media influencer gogo Sarah Malinga. Image: @kayy_moloi
Source: Instagram

Sarah Malinga, the grandmother who became a beloved figure on South African social media, passed away on 17 October 2026. She was 76 years old. Born on 3 July 1949, Malinga was affectionately known across the country as "South Africa's Gogo." She rose to fame through videos shared by her granddaughter, Instagram user @kayy_moloi, whose Instagram page became a space where millions watched the two share laughs, dancing, and genuine moments of joy together.

The pair's chemistry won over South Africans of all ages, with Gogo's warmth and humour making her feel like a grandmother to the nation. On 18 October 2026, Kayy Moloi broke the news on Instagram, posting a memorial tribute card alongside a deeply personal message. "It breaks my heart to have to write this, but unfortunately, Gogo passed on last night," she wrote. "I honestly don't even know where to begin or how to put everything I'm feeling into words right now."

A grandmother shared with the nation

Kayy expressed deep gratitude to the public for walking alongside her family through every phase of Gogo's journey, including her recovery period. She noted how meaningful it was to share her grandmother—whom she described as her whole world—with followers who embraced their dancing, humour, and joyful moments together.

The tribute drew an outpouring of condolences from public figures and everyday followers alike, all united in grief over the loss of a woman who had brought lightness into so many homes.

View the tribute in the Instagram post below:

Mzansi bids farewell to gogo

The death announcement drew heartfelt messages from viewers and local celebrities who loved gogo's content.

@thembiseete_ shared:

"I'm so sorry, babe 😢."

@coolest_advocate wrote:

"Oh no.. I'm so sorry 😢. May the love and peace of God protect and cover you."

@anothandobefile commented:

"@kayy_moloi we appreciate everything you did by sharing gogo with us, and definitely we feel your pain 😭. May gogo's soul rest in peace 😢."

@mbaureloaded said:

"Sending you comfort, sis. My deepest condolences 🌿."

@_laconco added:

"My heart reading this 💝💗. What a soul, sending my condolences 🕊️👸🏽🙏."

@voodur_nuz said:

"May her soul rest in eternal peace. 😍❤️💜 I'm so hurt."

"We feel your pain": Beloved 76-year-old social media sensation Gogo passes away, Mzansi mourns

A grandmother shared with the nation

Mzansi bids farewell to gogo

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