Arts icon Phetoe ‘acted until he died’
Trailblazer on TV, theatre silenced
Born: May 5 1932 Died: February 1 Funeral: Tomorrow at his home in Dube, Soweto, from 6am Burial: Lenasia Cemetery, south of Johannesburg
Revered actor David Letsebe Phetoe, 85, who died last Thursday at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, will be buried tomorrow.
Phetoe had complained of tiredness and shortness of breath three weeks before his death. The veteran actor died at the time when he was working on a documentary about one of the Struggle icons who died during apartheid.
He was the producer of the documentary, which he had been working on for the past two years.
As someone who grew up in Alexandra, his passion for theatre was inspired by apartheid incidents that unfolded in front of him in the township.
He started acting in theatre in the 1950s at Dorkay House with shows such as Nongongo, where he was cast by the late Barney Simon. Phetoe also featured in several musicals like Meropa before he joined King Kong.
According to his cousin Molefe Phetoe, the actor regarded theatre as a space to engage, learn and discuss issues.
“He was one person who always look for ways to improve himself. At some point he worked as a typist and telephone operator from different companies,” Molefe recalled.
Molefe said his cousin never retired, as “he acted until he died”. He was among the first black actors who acted in the few drama series in the early days of television.
He featured in popular comedy series Sgudi Snaysi and Going Up with the late Joe Mafela. He also appeared in Velaphi and Imvelaphi and the blockbuster Cry, The Beloved Country.
But it was his role in Generations, where he played Paul Moroka, that stole the hearts of many South Africans.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said many people called Phetoe “Paul Moroka” because he did justice to the character.
Kganyago said apart from acting, Phetoe also fought many struggles that affected actors. “He was always concerned about actors’ affairs. He would come to my office with different complaints that involved actors,” Kganyago said.
Many people in the industry praised Phetoe for his passion to forever imparting skills to the younger generation.
President of Creative Workers Union Mabutho “Kid” Sithole, who was mentored by Phetoe, defined him as a straight talker.
“Bra D was a true fountain of wisdom. We grew up under his guidance both in the arts and here in the township,” Sithole said. “He was a talented and unique actor.
“Bra D and many of his contemporaries rehearsed in town when it was not fashionable for blacks to do that.”
Phetoe is survived by three children and grandchildren.