[Daily Maverick] This year, we bid farewell to extraordinary figures who shaped history through their courage, creativity, and contributions. From Tony Heard's fearless journalism and Connie Chiume's cultural brilliance to Dingaan Thobela's legendary boxing career and Pravin Gordhan's steadfast leadership, their stories resonate with inspiration. Globally, icons like Quincy Jones, Maggie Smith, and James Earl Jones left legacies that transformed arts and culture.