Maake KaNcube Foundation honours John Kani in Sandton
Internationally acclaimed South African theatre-maker John Kani is honoured by the Sello Maake KaNcube Foundation.
The Sello Maake KaNcube Foundation honoured Dr John Kani with the Kenny Majozi Award after the opening performance of Nothing But The Truth at Theatre-on-the-Square on October 4.
The award itself is in honour of the memory and contributions to theatre in South Africa made by Sello Maake KaNcube’s uncle, Kenny Majozi, who gave Maake KaNcube his first acting lesson.
Theatre-on-the-Square’s artistic director Daphne Kuhn said the Kenny Majozi Award is a platform provided by Maake KaNcube’s Foundation in dedication to recognising legends past and present.
“The name Kenny Majozi may be unfamiliar to some, but his impact on the world of theatre is undeniable; this initiative pays homage to his legacy, and the profound impact he had on the theatre community,” said Kuhn.
“Inaugurating this prestigious award, the first recipient of the Kenny Majozi Legendary Theatre Icon Award is none other than the legendary Dr John Kani.”
Sandton applauded unanimously as Kani ascended to the stage at the end of Nothing But The Truth to receive the accolade from the acclaimed actor Sello Maake KaNcube.
“By the way, it’s the first time I’ve seen this play,” said Kani – who has played the main character of Sipho in the play – upon accepting the award. “I’ve never seen this play; I have worked with students at universities, breaking it down to do scenes.”
Kani had nothing but high praises for the cast and crew of Nothing But The Truth whom he applauded entertainingly for having done the adaptation of his literature exceptionally well.
“I was very angry when I wrote it; I could not accept forgiveness,” Kani reflected in his acceptance speech. “I could tell you to forgive, I could explain truth and reconciliation, but I couldn’t apply it to myself.”
According to Kani, it was only in 2002 when Nothing But The Truth ran at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown) that he realised that the time to let go had arrived.
“I performed, and there were about 40 kids from mixed schools,” said Kani. “And when the kids started crying, I realised it’s time to stop hating; it’s time to stop being angry. It was time to forgive me for my anger, and frustration and bitterness; I freed me, thus I freed the people who I was angry with.”
Above all, Nothing But The Truth is a relieving production about forgiveness, truth and reconciling with one’s baggage towards becoming lighter and freer. Nothing But The Truth runs at Theatre on the Square in Sandton until October 21.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/news-headlines/local-news/2023/10/11/sello-maake-kancube-makes-sandton-exciting-again/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/news-headlines/local-news/2023/09/29/cultural-appreciation-at-the-rivonia-central-mall/
