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20 Goue Stories
Released Aug 18, 2014
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Quick Facts
Born
1943
1943
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Tolla van der Merwe, born Tertius Willem Jacobus van der Merwe on 21 August 1943 in Clanwilliam, became one of South Africa’s most cherished Afrikaans comedians, storytellers, and television personalities. His warm humour, lively delivery and love for rural life turned him into a household name through the 1980s and 1990s, with a career that moved easily between stage performances, radio, television, film and a long list of spoken-word albums.
He grew up in the Western Cape as the eldest in his family and completed his schooling at Clanwilliam High. After school, he worked at a Calvinia library before qualifying as a motor mechanic and helping in the family’s garage business. In 1970, he married Marita Bouwer, with whom he had four children. Their eldest son, Wicus van der Merwe, would later find his own place in Afrikaans music as a singer.
Tolla’s knack for entertaining started early, when he amused neighbours and friends with humorous stories. His talent soon drew wider attention, and by the 1980s, he was a familiar face on national television. He became well known through appearances on the variety programme Spies en Plessie, hosted by Jan Spies and P.G. du Plessis. After Spies passed away in 1996, Tolla took over the show and later presented his own programme, Maak ’n Las, on SABC2. His collaborations with fellow personalities such as Andries Krogman, Nico Nel, and musician Ollie Viljoen helped solidify his place as a favourite figure on screen.
His career extended to film, where he appeared in several South African comedies. He played the lead in Tolla Is Tops (1990), co-wrote its screenplay, and acted in films such as Tough Luck (1992), Yankee Zulu (1993), Panic Mechanic (1996), and Kaalgat tussen die daisies (1997). He also appeared in a series of Toyota television adverts in the late 1980s, which added to his national popularity.
Tolla released numerous spoken-word albums, novelty recordings, and children’s stories. Collections such as 36 Gewildste Stories and Se 120 Heel Beste Stories became staples in Afrikaans households. He ventured into novelty music as well—most notably teaming up with Danie Niehaus in 1995 for the rugby-themed Bokkie Kom Terug! celebrating the Springboks’ World Cup victory. His discography spans the 1980s to the 2000s, with releases like Die Beste Uit (1985), Weskus Rep (1991), Rof maar nie onbeskof (1996), Ek en die Bobbejane (2000), and multiple posthumous compilations. He also issued a concert recording on VHS titled Tolla se Weskus Konsert.
He continued performing throughout the 1990s and, after undergoing major heart surgery in 2000, returned briefly to the stage. Later that year, on 7 August 2000, he was involved in a fatal accident in heavy fog near Belfast while traveling from the Sarie Arts Festival. He was taken to the hospital in Middelburg but passed away from internal injuries at the age of 56. The accident also claimed the life of producer Estelle Viljoen and left others injured. His funeral in Clanwilliam drew a large crowd of colleagues, admirers, and friends.
Tolla van der Merwe left a lasting mark on Afrikaans entertainment. His energetic style, warm humor, and skill for capturing everyday rural life made him a beloved figure whose recordings continue to circulate long after his passing. His work remains part of the cultural memory of Afrikaans audiences, and his influence continues through both his body of recordings and the career of his son, Wicus. His legacy is still fondly remembered as a great chapter in South African storytelling and comedy.