President Cyril Ramaphosa honors renowned playwright Athol Fugard, who died on Sunday. Fugard’s remarkable works, which confronted Apartheid injustices, have left a significant mark on South African history. His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Order of Ikhamanga, and his legacy is celebrated through the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep condolences and paid tribute to Athol Fugard, a distinguished actor, novelist, and playwright, who passed away on Sunday in Stellenbosch. Renowned as one of South Africa’s foremost playwrights, Fugard addressed the injustices of the Apartheid regime through his powerful narratives, collaborating with artists across racial divides during one of the nation’s most troubling eras.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa highlighted Fugard’s exceptional legacy, stating, “Beyond the impressive body of work that he has left behind, Athol Fugard will be remembered for being an outlier amongst the millions of white South Africans who blithely turned a blind eye to the injustices being perpetrated in their name.” Fugard’s most notable plays include “No Good Friday,” “The Blood Knot,” “Master Harold and the Boys,” and “Sizwe Bansi is Dead.”
Additionally, his novel “Tsotsi” inspired the 2005 Oscar-winning film of the same name. In 1985, Fugard received recognition from Time magazine as the “greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world.” President Ramaphosa remarked, “As a country we are grateful that we were able to honour the legendary Athol Fugard during his lifetime with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.”
Furthermore, the Fugard Theatre located in District Six, Cape Town, stands as a lasting tribute to this remarkable individual, whose contributions have left an enduring impact that will continue to motivate future generations of creatives.
In conclusion, Athol Fugard’s passing marks a significant loss for South Africa and the global artistic community. His courageous exploration of societal injustices through his writing and collaborative spirit resonates as an inspiration for future artists. The tributes from President Ramaphosa emphasize the profound impact Fugard had on South African culture and history, ensuring that his legacy will be honored for generations to come.
Original Source: allafrica.com
