Alexandra Arts Academy bids farewell to one of the founding members of the organisation
EAST BANK– Owen Mogane was a deputy chairperson of the Alexandra Art Academy that was formed by local creatives earlier this year.
A newly formed Alexandra Art Academy has suffered a tremendous loss after one of its founding members, dancer and art and culture activist died after a short illness at a local hospital on 25 June this year.
Owen Mogane, who was a deputy chairperson of the academy that was formed by local creatives to train, mentor and tackle challenges faced by the local artist across the fraternity, was described as a cultural activist who was committed to developing young talent in Alexandra.
During his career as a performer, Mogane worked with highly acclaimed musicians and creatives like Sbongile Khumalo, Marthinus Basson, and Mdu Kwenyama to mention a few. He did his master’s degree at the University of Cape Town with his research focused on representations of masculinity within the theatre.
Addressing scores of mourners who attended the memorial service that was held in East Bank Community Hall on 4 July, chairperson of the academy Mpho Molepo said the passing of Mogane was a loss not only to his family but to the entire art industry in the country.
“Owen was passionate, dedicated and loved his work. We started a journey together 25 years ago and we committed ourselves that after acquiring skills within the industry, we will come back home to give back to our community. We have just started a process of realising that dream,” Molepo said.
Mogane was laid to rest at Waterfall Cemetery on Saturday 6 July and is survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.
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