Arts activist fought for struggling artists
Car crash ends Mhlongo’s dream
Born: December 1 1977 Died: November 18 Funeral: Tomorrow at 8285 Moloi Street in Umgababa, KZN, from 9.30am
Burial: At a local cemetery When arts activist, filmmaker and politician Vusi Bekezela Mhlongo staged a sit-in at National Lotteries Commission offices in Pretoria two weeks ago to challenge the new legislation on funding, little did we know that it was his last fight.
Mhlongo has been fighting for artists’ rights and recognition since relocating to Johannesburg late in the 1990s
He has had several similar protests for the rights of artists at different government departments. At some point he walked from Johannesburg to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZuluNatal, to raise funds for struggling artists.
His persistent protests paid off when he secured two meetings with the commission. They listened to his concerns but, before he could taste the fruits of his efforts, he died in a car accident last Saturday near Villiers in the Free State.
Mhlongo and friends had also formed an organisation called United ProActive Artists aimed at raising funds for artists.
Mhlongo relocated to Johannesburg to pursue a dream as a filmmaker and theatre director. He struggled before his first show The Voice from Kilimanjaro was staged at Victory Theatre in Orange Groove in 2003.
The play was set to be staged again on December 16 as part of Yeoville Afrocentric Carnival.
Those close to him knew about his fighting spirit and his caring nature for others.
His bachelor flat in Yeoville, Johannesburg, became a home to dozens of artists that he took under his arm. He understood their struggles.
The stage and television actor shared everything he had, and gave many musicians a platform to perform.
Mhlongo took a break from practising arts to focus on his studies, resulting in him graduating with an honours degree in dramatic arts from Wits University.
His film credits include Realities Beyond Fame, which was flighted on SABC1.
He also joined politics, reviving ANC’s Joe Slovo branch in Yeoville and was elected its chairman in 2015.
Mhlongo is survived by his children, mother and sister.