SA: Top artists to honour Winnie Mandela in concert

Madikizela-Mandela died on 2 April after a long illness. She was 81.

The list of artists who have been confirmed include Sibongile Khumalo, Rebecca Malope, Oliver Mtukudzi and Zahara. Adding to the list of performers are Napo Masheane and Thami Mdluli featuring the Soweto String Quartet.

“This tribute will be a production to celebrate her life and mourn her loss,” SAST said. “Her memory will be honoured through song, dance, poetry and storytelling.

“Mama Winnie was an avid supporter of the arts and always had time to engage with young artists and encourage them to fight, until we are all free.”

SAST CEO Sibongiseni Mkhize said Madikizela-Mandela was a regular attendee of their events.

“Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a loyal supporter of the State Theatre, especially its’ artistic works that featured South African talent and told stories of the pre and post-apartheid South Africa,” he said.

“Her last visit to the theatre was in August 2017 when she came to watch Marikana the Musical by the multi award winning playwright and artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi.

“Before that she attended a dedicated performance of The Broadway musical Sarafina by the legendary, multi award-winning playwright Mbongeni Ngema, which is a theatrical production that was inspired by her fight for freedom. Her presence in the gallery was always a special moment for the cast and audience.”

Mkhize said SAST would keep on producing events designed to pay tribute to Madikizela-Mandela.

“The theatre will continue to honour her life and memory by staging theatrical works that question the status quo and critically engage with the complex layers and internal contradictions of the new South Africa. Her spirit of courage will forever inspire us. May her soul rest in peace.

“We hope to do justice to her grace, her power, her strength and her sacrifice. Please join us this Friday and as we bid farewell to one of South Africa’s most iconic freedom fighters.”