Samanthole Arts Foundation

TRIBUTE: 'I cannot go on stage armed with Stanislavski no, I am armed by aboDlangamandla', said Mncedisi Shabangu It would not be an overstatement to say that Mncedisi Shabangu is one of the most influential theatre makers, television actors and arts educators in the contemporary theatre and entertainment sector of South Africa, as evidenced by the tributaries generated the world over, since his passing on Sunday the 24 th July 2022 aged 49. His work has been lavished with theatre and television awards including Standard Bank Young Artists Award, Fleur Du Cap for best actor and SAFTA. His performances were watched and appreciated not only in the country but the world over. His collaborations with some of leading figures in the arts such as John Kani, Gregory Maqoma, Lara Foot and William Kentridge, to mention a few, attest to my opening assertion of this eulogy. Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu. Picture Credit: Facebook In order to get to the crux of my tribute to Mncedisi 'The

Tribute to Dr Don Mattera  My first encounter with Don “Bra Zinga” Mattera was through his work, a poetry anthology of his, to be specific. It was in 2008 at the Rhodes Park Library In Kensington that I first interacted with his world. Seven years later, he would grace one of my Children’s Book Clubs with his presence at the very same library when we celebrated an anniversary. He graciously performed to the gallery of elated kids. I loved children so much and always advocated for their protection, good health care and education that will propel them for active citizenship. Khehla Chepape Makgato with Don Mattera at The Rhodes Park Children’s Book Club in  2015. Mattera was, in person, a remarkable human being. Few times in which I was privileged to be at events he was in, I always marvelled at his grace and poise. One of his famous quote every time he took a podium at artsy gatherings is that ‘On your marks, get set, look back and see who you could pick before you go’.  Th