The African National Congress(ANC) in the Eastern Cape has learnt with sadness of the passing of legendary playwright and actor, Mr Winston Ntshona this morning after he has been sick for some time, best known for his association with Athol Fugard, with whom he created the plays The Island and Sizwe Banzi is Dead.
He also starred in both plays for a number of decades, winning Best Actor Tony awards for both.
The ANC pays tribute to a great and prodigious talent who, throughout his life, was dedicated as much to the development of society as to the development of the arts.
As one of South Africa’s leading actors,Bhuti Winston Ntshona gained stardom with the highly acclaimed play The Island, alongside Athol Fugard and John Kani. He received a Tony award for this performance. The production toured Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the National theatre in London.
Ntshona’s body of theatrical work includes Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, a one man show which toured the UK and the USA. Another production, The Death of Bessie Smith with Janet Suzman and John Kani, as well as The Island were filmed for the BBC in London and CBS in the USA.Winston Ntshona’s films include Malunde, I Dreamed of Africa, Power of One, Dry White Season, Ghandi and The Wild Geese.
In 2002 , Bhuti Winston directed a new play Ghetto Goats which had been created by three young actors from Port Elizabeth. On 27 April 2010, former President Jacob Zuma awarded Bhuti Winston The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his excellent contribution to theatre and the arts scene in South Africa.
Ntshona took a post as the chairman of the Eastern Cape Cultural Units arts agency working in the interest of young South Africans in theatre. He was also honoured with a Living Treasures award from South Africa’s National Arts Council.
He will be remembered not only for the numerous works he produced over decades, but for the talented actors whom he nurtured – many of whom are today counted as among the country`s greatest.
The ANC pays tribute to a South African who cared for his people, who cared for their culture, who cared for their suffering, and who cared for their freedom.
As we mourn his passing, the African National Congress sends its sincere condolences to the Ntshona family. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to his colleagues in the industry and all South Africans at large.
Go well Malinge , Mntungwa , Yengwayo , Mafikana, Golela, Manyathi, Magajana, Ndabeni.
May his soul rest in peace.
Issued by:
ANC EC Communications
Enquiries:
ANC Media & Liaison Officer
Judy Mpetsheni
Mobile No: 0636878267/0731176194
ANC Communications Manager
Gift Ngqondi
Mobile No:0848439706/0849519924
