Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane extended his heartfelt condolence and support to the family of Darlington Michaels on Wednesday, September 18 at Braamfischerville Ext 2.
The veteran actor who is best known for his role as the flamboyant gangster Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela on the long-running soap opera, Isidingo passed away at the age of 78 on September 13, following a brief illness.
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“We are speaking here today about the legends of the industry, people who came in during the difficult times of our nation and who went on to build careers out of this industry, and posed the democratic breakthrough by continuing to inspire as well as drive the nation forward by creating stories that brings hope to the people.
“We are lost for words as a province, because we wanted to do more, to work with our veterans while we are still being blessed with them so that we can continue to build on their legacy as well as the second layers of actors that will continue to inspire our nation,” the MEC said while speaking to the media at the Michaels family home.
The MEC further stated that the department believes that much more can be done in terms of supporting artists especially financially because it’s not right every time an icon passes away, there is always a question on how they will be sent off.
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“Part of the critical question we have begun asking is how to deal with this type of problem because it cannot be right.
“Every time there is a loss of a prominent person or an icon, there is always a need to discuss how we are going to be able to see them off. It’s a question that we should stop talking about and should be addressed,” he said.
Michaels’ memorial service will be held at the Soweto Theatre this afternoon, September 19.
