Tributes pour in for veteran icon of arts
POLITICAL parties have paid tribute to veteran actor Joe Mafela who died in a car crash on Saturday night.
The ANC described the legendary actor as a pioneer and veteran in the entertainment industry‚ having received numerous awards including‚ but not limited to‚ the best actor in comedy at the South African Film and Television Awards.
“His title track‚ Shebeleza‚ was used as a theme song for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations‚ in which South Africa were crowned Champions‚” the ruling party noted.
The Democratic Alliance said Mafela’s legacy would live in the hearts of South Africans forever.
“A constant feature during our childhoods‚ through his work in television‚ theatre‚ film and music‚ Joe has made us cry‚ made us laugh and he made us think.
“He was a celebrated entertainer‚ who was awarded the Theatre Management of South Africa Lifetime Achievement Award at the Naledi Theatre Awards and became the first black person to be awarded with a Grand Prix at the Loerie Awards‚” the DA said.
Congress of the People said Mafela had made this country proud.
“Mafela played a huge role in the development of acting talent in this country‚” the party said.
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania said Mafela was a member of generation that fought for the country’s struggle.
“He helped to liberate his country.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters noted the “strides taken by Mafela to uplift and create a solid identity for Black people in the entertainment industry when it was not fashionable to do so”. — TMG