By localnew 
KwaMashu Popular Shisanyama Founder Wiseman Cele Passes Away
The community of KwaMashu, north of Durban, is mourning the loss of well-known businessman Wiseman Cele, the founder of the popular Wiseman’s Car Wash and Shisanyama, who passed away after a short illness. He was 59 years old.
According to reports, Cele died on Thursday, 12 March 2026, at Life Mount Edgecombe Hospital in Durban. His passing was confirmed by his younger sister, Zama Cele, who said the family is still coming to terms with the loss and will announce funeral arrangements in due course.
Cele built Wiseman’s Car Wash from the ground up, transforming it into one of Durban’s most famous township entertainment spots. Located in KwaMashu G Section, the venue became a major gathering place where patrons could enjoy shisanyama while also getting their vehicles washed on site.
Over the years, the establishment grew into a popular venue for major events and live performances, regularly hosting activations for events such as Inkasi and Usukulomshunqo. It also became a hotspot for music lovers and soccer fans who gathered there to watch major matches and socialise.
The venue continued to host major entertainment events and was even scheduled to host the Dankie Gqom Fest activation later this month, with performances expected from well-known artists including DJ Tira and Dladla Mshunqisi.
Cele’s passing has left a deep void in the KwaMashu community, where many regarded him not only as a successful entrepreneur but also as someone who created a space that celebrated kasi culture, music and social life.
Tributes have begun pouring in from community members, customers and entertainment figures who remember him for building one of the most iconic township venues in Durban.
The Cele family is expected to release details of the funeral and memorial services soon
