Veteran actors pay tribute to Mafela at memorial service
VETERAN actor and writer Tony Kgoroge lambasted the SABC and the government over the exploitation of artists in the industry during his tribute speech at Joe Mafela’s memorial service yesterday afternoon.
Kgoroge was one of many speakers invited by Mafela’s family to honour the veteran actor.
He said Mafela was an artist who rose above exploitation in the industry.
“Even though Ntate Joe Mafela did not escape exploitation‚ it is encouraging to see how he rose above it‚” he said.
The actor said it was time for artists to tell their own stories and then directed his statements to SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago, who had been on the podium minutes before.
“Ntate Kaizer‚ I hope the SABC will pay our artists their royalties‚” he said.
Kgoroge also appealed for the industry to stop exploiting artists.
Another veteran, actress Cynthia Shange, also denounced the entertainment and acting business in South Africa.
She said most “talent” was never on permanent contracts but considered freelancers.
“We can’t get a loan. We are not happy. We pose for selfies and sign autographs but we are not happy. We battle. I’ve been on Muvhango for 18 years and I have never been permanent.”
Referring to the fact that many actors died poor‚ Shange said it was not for a lack of trying.
“When one of us dies it’s not like we don’t know how to save‚ it’s that we don’t have the money. This is our passion. We do it because we love it. But we are not happy.”
The two veterans spoke to hundreds of friends‚ fans and family members gathered at the Joburg Theatre to pay tribute to Mafela‚ who was killed in a car accident last Saturday night.
The memorial service was filled with song‚ dance‚ prayer and wonderful memories of Mafela.
The actor’s younger brother, Paul, and son‚ Jimmy, spoke on behalf of the Mafela family.
“We are really devastated by the loss of Joe Mafela,” Paul Mafela said.
“Joe was a loving person. A person who you will never find angry at any given time. He was always jolly. I was always with him. We used to travel together. Even going to our homeland in Venda‚ he would never travel alone without me.”
Paul asked God for guidance to lead the family. “I pray for strength and to guide us further‚ now that our leader is no longer here.”
Joe’s son started off his tribute to his father by playing the traditional drums.
“My father had a lot of love around him because of his wisdom and he had no issues with anyone‚” Jimmy said.
Jimmy recounted the great memories they made as a family and the lessons his father taught him.
The creator of popular soapie Generations: The Legacy, Mfundi Vundla, told the service that the main studio where the show was filmed would be renamed The Joe Mafela Studio.
It is currently Studio 5 but Vundla said Mafela brought audiences to the SABC and his contribution deserved something significant.
“Without the content and the people who bring audiences‚ the SABC is brick and mortar. Joe brought audiences.” — TMG