Lesego Motsepe—a South African actress who publicly disclosed that she was HIV positive—has died of natural causes, according to a statement by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). She was 39. Motsepe was best known for playing the role of Lettie Matabane on Isidingo, a popular SABC soap opera, from 1998 to 2008. Her character was killed off the show in a car accident. After disclosing her status on World AIDS Day 2011, Motsepe became an HIV/AIDS advocate.

To read the statement, click here.