Tolla van der Merwe

Tertius Willem Jacobus "Tolla" van der Merwe (21 August 1943 – 7 August 2000) was a South African Afrikaans comedian, storyteller, actor and television personality, known for his warm humour and storytelling style. He was widely regarded as one of South Africa’s best-loved Afrikaans entertainers during the 1980s and 1990s.

Early life Tolla van der Merwe was born in Clanwilliam in the Western Cape, South Africa. He was the eldest of several siblings and attended Clanwilliam High School. After matric, he worked at the public library in Calvinia and later became a qualified motor mechanic, joining his family’s garage business.

He married Marita (also spelled Marieta) Bouwer in 1970, and the couple had four children.

He gained television fame on the popular programme Spies en Plessie, working alongside Jan Spies and P.G. du Plessis. Following Spies's death, van der Merwe hosted the series Maak ’n Las, collaborating with producers such as Nico Nel and Andries Krogman.

Health Earlier in 2000, van der Merwe underwent open-heart surgery, receiving five bypasses at Bayview Hospital in Mossel Bay. Despite the serious procedure, he was reported to have recovered well and returned to public appearances.

Death On 7 August 2000, van der Merwe died following a road accident on the N4 highway near Belfast, Mpumalanga. He was travelling with producer Ollie Viljoen, Viljoen’s wife Estelle, and storyteller Koos Meyer when their vehicle collided with a truck in heavy fog. Estelle Viljoen died at the scene, and van der Merwe succumbed to his injuries later in hospital.

His funeral took place in Clanwilliam on 11 August 2000 and was attended by hundreds of admirers, friends and colleagues.

A biographical book, Konsert van die lewe, was later published in his memory.

Selected filmography Title Year Notes Tolla is Tops 1990 Comedy film Tough Luck 1992 Feature film Yankee Zulu 1993 Film appearance Kaalgat tussen die Daisies 1997 Feature film Panic Mechanic 1997 Comedy film

Discography Die beste uit (LP), 1985 Weskus Rep (LP), 1991 Rof Maar Nie Onbeskof, 1996 Ter Nagedagtenis Aan: Tolla van der Merwe, 1943-2000 Ons Sal Jou Nooit Vergeet Nie, 2000 Ek En Die Bobbejane, 2000 Se Heel Beste Stories, 2007 Bokkie, Kom Terug Tolla: Op Sy Beste: 1943 - 2000 Tolla van der Merwe se 36 Gewildste Stories Vol 2 Oeps! Tolla van der Merwe se 35 Gewildste Stories Jan & Tolla