President Cyril Ramaphosa Honors Legacy of Athol Fugard

President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to renowned playwright Athol Fugard, who recently passed away. Fugard was recognized for his impactful narratives about Apartheid injustices and his collaboration with diverse artists. His legacy includes acclaimed works and the establishment of the Fugard Theatre as a tribute to his contributions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the death of esteemed playwright Athol Fugard, who passed away on Sunday in Stellenbosch. Fugard is celebrated as one of South Africa’s foremost playwrights, known for his poignant works that addressed the injustices of the Apartheid government while fostering collaboration among diverse artists during the nation’s tumultuous history.

President Ramaphosa remarked on Fugard’s legacy, stating, “Beyond the impressive body of work that he has left behind, Athol Fugard will be remembered for being an outlier amongst the millions of white South Africans who blithely turned a blind eye to the injustices being perpetrated in their name.” Fugard’s notable works include plays such as “No Good Friday,” “The Blood Knot,” “Master Harold and the Boys,” and “Sizwe Bansi is Dead.” Additionally, his novel “Tsotsi” inspired the Oscar-winning film of the same name in 2005.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to theatre, Time magazine honored Fugard in 1985 as the “greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world.” To commemorate his impact, Ramaphosa noted, “As a country we are grateful that we were able to honour the legendary Athol Fugard during his lifetime with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.”

The establishment of the Fugard Theatre in District Six, Cape Town, stands as a testament to his enduring influence. President Ramaphosa stated, “The Fugard Theatre… will continue to inspire generations of creative professionals for time to come.”

In summary, President Cyril Ramaphosa has honored the legacy of Athol Fugard, recognizing his vital role in confronting Apartheid injustices through his powerful body of work. Fugard’s contributions to theatre have left a lasting impact, as acknowledged by various accolades throughout his career, including the National Order of Ikhamanga. The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town exemplifies his enduring influence on future generations of artists.

Original Source: allafrica.com