# Tanzanian actress 'Tesa' passes away

**Dar es Salaam.** Tanzanian actress Grace Mapunda, widely known as “Tesa” or “Mama Kawele” passed away on Saturday morning, November 2, 2024, at Mwananyamala Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where she was receiving treatment.

Ms Mapunda who acted in the TV show Huba, was admitted at hospital’s intensive care unit, according the chairperson of the Tanzania Actors' Association, Mr Chiki Mchoma, who confirmed the death.

He shared that Ms Mapunda had been ill for an extended period but had recently recovered enough to resume her regular activities.

However, she was taken to the hospital two days ago when her condition worsened, ultimately leading to her passing.

"She was unwell and was taken to Mwananyamala Hospital. Sadly, she passed away there while in the intensive care unit. By last night, she had succumbed," said Mr Mchoma.

Ms Mapunda was a well-known figure in Tanzanian cinema. Her filmography includes House of Death, Hard Price, Nilindiwe, Kichupa, Majuto, Mwaka wa Hasara, Chungu ya Nafsi, Poor Minds, Jibu la Ndoto, Back to Life, and the TV show Huba, among others.