NHC pays tribute to Athol Fugard – a theatrical storyteller of our liberation struggle

The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) pays tribute to internationally
acclaimed playwright, novelist, director and actor- Athol Fugard.

“It is a sad day indeed for the country to learn of the passing of an icon of our lifetime who
told the stories of inhumane realities during the liberation struggle by the apartheid
government through his theatrical discourse”, said Dr Thabo Manetsi, CEO of the NHC.

Some of Fugard’s greatest work includes the novel Tsotsi in 1980, which later won the
Oscar for best foreign language movie. Boesman and Lena (1969), Sizwe is Dead (1972)
are amongst his 30 plays in a career spanning 70 years.

“Athol was indeed a hero of our lifetime who fearlessly exposed the injustices of
apartheid” added Dr Manetsi.

The NHC sends its condolences to the family, friends and the creative sector. May his
indelible legacy continue to live on.

Ends/
Issued by the National Heritage Council