Mafela’s legacy honoured
MANY CAME FROM OUTSIDE SA’S BORDERS TO PAY HOMAGE Joe was generous to the core, says arts minister.
Family, friends and fans gathered at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Campus to pay tribute to veteran actor Joe Mafela. Past and present cast members of the popular television soapie, Generations, attended the funeral to bid farewell to their colleague and mentor.
Lillian Dube, Mary Twala and Don Mattera were among industry heavyweights who attended.
The packed venue was full of emotion as the crowd mourned Mafela’s passing and danced to his hit song, Congo Mama.
There was a traditional sendoff as both Venda women and men paid their respects.
The impact Mafela had on people’s lives became evident yesterday.
South Africans who were not fully aware of his power and accomplishments were surprised when people from neighbouring countries also came to honour the actor’s legacy.
Mafela’s influence was not only substantial, but extensive.
The Queen Mother of Swaziland could not attend the funeral, but shared a message through her representative.
She sent her condolences since Mafela was regarded as part of her family and praised him for his humanitarian efforts in her country.
Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa also spoke.
He recalled how Mafela embarked upon on an artistic journey as an actor, which paved the way for fellow black actors during apartheid. And he described Mafela’s personality, saying: “Joe Mafela was generous to the core.”
The funeral procession was expected to proceed to the cemetery just after noon, but experienced a hold up of almost an hour.
The delay was caused by struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral taking place at the same venue, Westpark Cemetery. –