Final curtain for Ntshona
Tributes pour in from around the world for theatre legend
“We have lost a giant of South Africa, the epitome of ubuntu.”
This was said by Winston Ntshona’s grief-stricken friend and fellow theatre icon, John Kani, after his death in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
Tributes have been pouring in from around the world for theatre legend and anti-apartheid activist Ntshona, 76, who died in New Brighton at 8am.
Ntshona’s son, Lawula, said his father had been ill for the past eight years but died peacefully at their Ntshekisa Street home.
“We are in shock but we are coming together as a family,” he said.
Ntshona started his acting career in 1965, when he formed the Serpent Players in Port Elizabeth with Kani and playwright Athol Fugard, and together they created pioneering South African plays which achieved global recognition.
Kani and Ntshona won numerous international awards, including Broadway’s coveted Tony Award in 1975 for writing and acting in Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island, co-written with Fugard.
“With the passing of beautiful Winston, I have lost a dearly beloved brother,” Fugard wrote in a message of condolence, relayed through the Fugard Theatre in Johannesburg.
“A big tree has fallen in the forest. Fortunately for us survivors, there are young ones now growing taller.”
Ntshona’s nephew, Mankomandile, said his uncle had been an easygoing person and extremely approachable.
“You could go to him with any kind of problem – it didn’t matter what it was, he could advise one easily,” he said.
“We’re going to miss him a lot. It’s a big loss for the family.”
Cars lined the street at the Ntshonas’ home on Thursday, as family and friends gathered.
Bay mayor Athol Trollip, mayoral committee members, PE Opera House general manager Monde Ngonyama, former SABC Eastern Cape boss Zola Yeye and Emfuleni Resorts chair Bongi Siwisa were among those paying their respects.
One of the most eloquent tributes, however, came from Kani, who spoke from the shores of Lake Como in Italy where he is filming with Hollywood movie stars Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler.A highly emotional Kani explained that, due to the rigorous demands of the international film shoot, he might not be able to make his friend’s funeral, which is provisionally planned for Friday next week.
“I knew he was not well and I was praying to God ‘let nothing happen to Winston when I am out of the country’.
“I am devastated,” Kani said. “We are on a tight shooting schedule and are only due to finish on the day of the funeral, so I don’t know what to do as whatever time we make it, it won’t be possible to get me there in time for the funeral.”
Kani said the atmosphere on set had been extremely supportive on Thursday.
“Jennifer and Adam both know about Winston, they have seen the work we were in on Broadway, and there was a moment of silence. Everybody has taken a moment to give their condolences, the whole crew of 300.”
Kani said he had known Ntshona since 1961.
“He’s more than a brother to me, even my family knows this,” Kani said.
“I knew his wife, Vuyelwa, in 1958, even before I knew him, because she and I were at school together – and I used to tease Winston [about that].
“My heart goes out to her, and to his [family].” The theatre doyen leaves a strong mark from his decades on stage and screen.
In 2010, Ntshona was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga for his “excellent contribution to theatre and the arts scene in South Africa”.
Then-president Jacob Zuma said Ntshona used the stage to expose life under apartheid to the world.
Ntshona and Kani were arrested and detained more than once for their political activism.In 2015, three streets in the arts precinct in central Port Elizabeth were changed in their honour, with Chapel Street changed to Winston Ntshona Street.
The same year, the PE Opera House unveiled a stained glass window recognising the cultural impact of the three theatre greats.
In addition to his career on stage, Ntshona also starred in films as diverse as Tarzan and The Lost City and Gandhi, as well as A Dry White Season and The Power of One.
Ntshona was chair of the Eastern Cape Cultural Units arts agency and also received a Living Treasures award from SA’s National Arts Council.
He leaves his wife, Vuyelwa, daughters Nomfundo and Zomzi and sons Xola and Lawula, and their children.
Lawula said arrangements for the funeral would probably be confirmed at the weekend.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
FREE TO READ | Just register if you’re new, or sign in.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@heraldlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.