Minister pays tribute to Ntate Mohlamme

Monday, September 1, 2014

Pretoria - Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has paid tribute to legendary TV producer and cultural activist, Boykie Mohlamme, or Ntate - as he was fondly called.

Mohlamme, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 83, was a celebrated and recognised cultural leader, activist and campaigner for human rights in the broadcasting sector.

He rose to prominence working alongside renowned township theatre icons like Gibson Kente and Sam Mhangwani in the 1970s before being featured in popular local series like Bonweenwee and Boohelo ke Semphege.

Offering his condolences, Minister Mthethwa said Mohlamme was an accomplished performing artist who rose above his disadvantaged and marginalised circumstances to be an agent of the society that he wanted to see.

“He was an advocate of using the creative sector, especial theatre and television, as an instrument for nation building and social cohesion,” Minister Mthethwa said.

He said Mohlamme’s role and contribution has highlighted the urgency of radical economic and cultural transformation of the creative industry.

He will be buried tomorrow at South Park (Chris Hani Cemetery). The service will starts at 8am at the Leondale Community Hall in Ekurhuleni. – SAnews.gov.za