South Africans can look forward to the induction of some of the country’s biggest contributors in sport and performing arts in Sun International’s South African Hall of Fame, in upcoming months.
Legendary golfer, Gary Player is set to be inducted in November, with performing artists Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg up next, early next year.
Sun International’s group chief strategy and operations officer, Rob Collins explained that the South African Hall of Fame recognises South Africans who have made significant contributions to the country.
He was speaking at the recent induction of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning Bafana Bafana team, which saw a prestigious dinner with celebrities, guest speakers and live entertainment at Sun City.
“In every country, there are people who have made contributions, and many countries have a hall of fame,” said Collins. “They are not just the successes of sports people, but of performing artists, commentators, people in science, and others – we want ours to be recognised.”
Player won 167 professional golf tournaments in his career, including nine majors on the Professional Golfers Association tour, and nine on the Senior Tour. For Collins, he is arguably the greatest sportsman South Africa has ever produced.
Jazz artist and apartheid activist, Masekela released more than 40 albums over five decades and received the highest order in South Africa from President Jacob Zuma – The Order of Ikhamanga. He also received a Lifetime Achievement award at the World Music Expo in Denmark in 2011.
Clegg’s campaigning against apartheid and personal battle with cancer did not impede on his musical career, having received a nomination for a Grammy and winning a Billboard award. He also holds honorary doctorates from four tertiary institutions after a 40-year career.
Collins divulged that he hoped to also induct inventor and co-founder of Tesla, Elon Musk, and the late performing artist Miriam Makeba in the future.
Also read: Celebrate with Bafana Bafana as they are inducted into the South African Hall of Fame
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