BY WINSTONE ANTONIO PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a State-assisted funeral to the late theatre doyen, Cont Mhlanga in recognition of his contribution to the creative industry.
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda said: “This is in recognition of his great achievements as an internationally-acclaimed playwright, filmmaker and creative director who came as a trailblazer in our country’s creative and cultural industries.”
The celebrated playwright, actor and theatre director succumbed to pneumonia on Monday morning at United Bulawayo Hospitals.
He was 64.
Sibanda said the cultural and creative arts community was left poorer following the death of Mhlanga, one of the country’s most respected icons in the arts sector.
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But why was Cont Mhlanga not granted National status?. Was he not Zimbabwean enough? Was he not ZANUPF enough?What criteria are used to grant someone a hero status?. #Asakhe pic.twitter.com/xiDdSiMmic
— Zenzele (@zenzele) August 2, 2022
“Only recently, the late had been appointed as a member of the national team for the creation of a strategy for the Zimbabwe film sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mhlanga will be buried on Saturday at his rural home in Lupane, Matabeleland North province.
Cont Mhlanga was not just your ordinary playwright & director. He was a leader. He was a thinker. He was a pioneer. He was a visionary. He was so many things. The best way to honour him is to give him national honours. We must not just mourn him but celebrate his legacy
— Raisedon Baya (@RaisedonB) August 2, 2022
Said National Arts Council of Zimbabwe executive director, Nicholas Moyo: “A memorial service has been set for Friday at Amakhosi cultural centre. After the service, the body will lie in state on Friday ahead of interment on Saturday.”
Cont Mhlanga, a true icon of our arts. Very gifted; very passionate: will be fondly remembered for his inspiring presence in our arts. He will continue to live through Amakhosi Theatre and the Township Square Cultural Centre. Prayers to his wife and children. MHDSRIP.
— Prof Lovemore Madhuku (@ProfMadhuku) August 2, 2022
The passing on of Mhlanga has been described as a big loss to the cultural and creative industries in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Cont Mhlanga's passing leaves me stunned and with a deep feeling if bereavement because a man who was foundational to the Zimbabwean arts community has left us. May he rest in peace and heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends and colleagues in the arts sector.
— Tsitsi Dangarembga (@EfieZethu) August 2, 2022
Many creatives have described the founder of Amakhosi Theatre Productions company as a fountain of knowledge and champion of freedom of expression through art.
Our condolences to his family, friends & the arts community on the death of Cont Mhlanga, a leading cultural figure in #Zimbabwe. His work won him a Prince Claus Award in 2015 for his outstanding achievements through Amakhosi Cultural Centre.
📷Frank van Beek | @princeclausfund pic.twitter.com/CCuhhLjqFo
— Dutch Embassy Harare 🇳🇱 (@NLinZimbabwe) August 1, 2022
Mhlanga, who mentored a number of artists in dance, music, film and theatre, is survived by wife Thembi Ngwabi and six children (three boys and three girls).
If Soul Jah Love was conferred a liberation Hero Status for his indelible contribution to the Arts sector, what is hard with conferring the same honor of National Hero status to Cont Mhlanga?
— Brighton (@RealBeefactor) August 2, 2022
Mourners are gathered at House number 488 Nguboyenja, Bulawayo.
- Follow Winstone on Twitter@widzoanto