John Kani and Winston Ntshona during Sizwe Banzi Is Dead – Press Photocall at Lyttelton Theatre in London, United Kingdom. Image Elliott Franks/WireImage)has congratulated legendary actor and playwright, Dr John Kani, for being made an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to drama and theatre., film, and television extending beyond South Africa’s borders, having made his mark in Hollywood, and particularly in British theatre.
Kodwa said Kani’s latest acclaim and achievement is a testament to the “immeasurable legacy” he has made to theatre around the world.Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, Kunene and the King¸ Nothing But the Truth, Hayani, and many other productions by Dr Kani, continue to be performed decades after they were first seen on stage.
“What gives me joy is to see an artist who has contributed so much to South Africa and on theatre stages around the world, receive their flowers while they can still smell them. Dr Kani deserves all the acclaim he continues to receive. He is a treasure and a titan of South Africa,” Kodwa said.In 2016, Dr Kani received the national honour of the Order of Ikhamanga Silver for his excellent contributions to theatre during the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.
On his 80th birthday in August, Dr Kani was acclaimed in the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition series, which recognises and acclaims South Africa’s living legends in the creative and cultural sectors.State Theatre opens its doors to Black Labone after closure of African Beer Emporium