Cape Town gospel legend Simon Seekoei dies at 70 after cancer battle - IOL

Pastor Simon Seekoei died at the age of 70 after battling an aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer.

Cape Town preacher and gospel artist Pastor Simon Seekoei has died aged 70 after battling aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer. 

Seekoei died on Monday at Eerste River Hospital, just a week after celebrating his 70th birthday in hospital on October 20, 2026.

Family, friends and fellow gospel artists have paid tribute to him as a faithful servant of God whose music and ministry touched many lives.

His son, Marco September, confirmed his death in an emotional social media statement.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my dad. He was a man who served the Lord faithfully, and through his music and ministry, he touched many lives, he wrote.”

September said he would always treasure his father’s words, “Ministry is in our blood”, adding that he could see so much of Seekoei in himself.

“Rest well, Dad. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind. May the Lord you served so faithfully welcome you into His eternal rest,” he said.

His wife, Praylene Lee-Seekoei, also shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook.

“Although I'm missing you, I will find a way to get through. My universe will never be the same again,” she wrote.

Gospel artist Dumisani, who followed Seekoei from a young age, said he later had the privilege of sitting with the preacher and learning from him.

“We have not just lost a man. We have lost a King. A living library of music, ministry and life experience. Pastor Sai… you have done well. You have done good work. We are going to miss you. We wish you well in heaven,” he said.

Jonathan Rubain, who featured Seekoei on the kykNET gospel show Koortjies in November 2021, also paid tribute to the legendary preacher.

Pastor Simon Seekoei and his wife, Praylene.

Rubain quoted Seekoei’s lyrics about standing before God’s throne one day and being able to acknowledge that everything had been worth it.

“Rest peacefully, Pastor Simon. Today is a very sad day,” Rubain wrote.

Born in Tiervlei, now known as Ravensmead, Seekoei grew up on the Cape Flats, where he spent his formative musical years preaching and singing in the streets alongside his parents.

Although his family heritage traces back to the rural Karoo, it was in Tiervlei that his musical journey and ministry took shape.

Over the years, Seekoei released several Afrikaans and English gospel albums, including Ek Skaam My Nie (2008), Met My Hart En My Siel (2010) and Dankbaar (2021).

His original songs celebrated faith, family and gratitude, while his praise tracks and Fellowship Songs project brought traditional church choruses and hymns to audiences.

Among his best-known songs are Ek Skaam My Nie, Mamma Wat ’n Dierbare Mens, Geseënd and Met My Hart En My Siel.

His music and ministry leave behind a lasting legacy of faith and inspiration for generations of gospel lovers.