John Kani and Winston Ntshona during Sizwe Banzi Is Dead - Press Photocall at Lyttelton Theatre in London, United Kingdom. Picture: Elliott Franks/WireImage)
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has congratulated legendary actor and playwright, Dr John Kani, for being made an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to drama and theatre.
In a remarkable career spanning 60 years, Kani has received great acclaim and praise for his work in theatre, film, and television extending beyond South Africa’s borders, having made his mark in Hollywood, and particularly in British theatre.
Bonisile John Kani was born on 30 August 1943 in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth.
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Kodwa said Kani’s latest acclaim and achievement is a testament to the “immeasurable legacy” he has made to theatre around the world.
“Dr Kani has directed and performed in productions that will live long in our consciousness. The likes of 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.
An OBE, which is bestowed by King Charles, is a British chivalric order which recognises one for making great impact in their line of work.
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