Rotary Club awards legendary playwright
Rotary Club of Durban Umhlatuzana conffered the prestigious Paul Harris fellowship to internationally recognised playwright Dr Ronnie Govender at the Durban Life Savings Club last week.
THE Rotary Club of Durban Umhlatuzana had an exciting breakfast meet last week with a visit from the Rotary district governor where the prestigious Paul Harris fellowship was conferred on internationally recognised playwright Dr Ronnie Govender at the Durban Life Saving Club.
The Rotary Club of Durban Umhlatuzana’s president, Thomas Konrad said Ronnie Govender was the recipient of two lifetime achievement awards for his contribution to literature and the arts. In 2008, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga from the State President of South Africa for his “excellent contribution to democracy, peace and justice through the medium of theatre”.
“He is renowned for several award-winning plays, including South Africa’s longest running play in the 1970s, The Lahnee’s Pleasure. He was also nominated for South Africa’s Best Playwright in 1971 for the internationally acclaimed play, At the Edge, described by London’s prestigious Stage and TV Today as “a resounding hymn to humanity.” And our Club would like to honour him with one of our prestigious Rotary award’s for his contributions as well,” Konrad added.
The modest theatre legend thanked the Club for the award saying, “the award is one way of highlighting theatre and theatre is such a vital part of our lives, so I thank you for that.”
Govender, now in his eighties, is currently working on a new theatre play, Your Own Dog Won’t Bite You, which will be staged at the Izulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino from 20 to 23 August.
