John Kani mourns the passing of late Athol Fugard, a titan of South African theatre

Winston Ntshona, Athol Fugard and John Kani. Picture: Gallo Images.

In a heartfelt tribute, acclaimed South African actor and playwright John Kani shares the profound friendship and the creative journey with the late theatre luminary Athol Fugard, whose impactful storytelling continues to shape the landscape of South African theatre. 

This comes in the wake of Fugard's passing, stirring memories of a turbulent era marked by apartheid and cultural resistance. 

Fugard passed away on March 8, at the age of 92. 

"Athol was my brother and my comrade in the struggle for the liberation of our country"

In a press statement, Kani looks back on his life in 1965, a time when despair cast a heavy shadow over the Eastern Cape's oppressive socio-political climate. 

"It was a wasteland of pain and suffering," he recalls, noting that many of his peers endured detention, exile, or death. Yet, amid darkness, creativity bloomed through initiatives like the Serpent Players Drama Group, offering solace and purpose through the transformative power of theatre." 

Kani’s introduction to Fugard was unexpected; the young actor was surprised to see a white man invested in their shared struggle. 

"That was the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life – and a lifelong friendship." 

Kani Fugard and Ntshona. Picture: Gallo Images

Together, alongside fellow artist Winston Ntshona, they pioneered powerful works like Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island, capturing the raw realities of black South Africans living under apartheid. 

"Athol, Winston Ntshona and I worked together through the very difficult times of the 1960s, creating and performing in plays that examined the conditions under which black people lived during Apartheid," Kani says.

"Of course, this immediately attracted the interest of the Security Police who hounded the Group’s every performance and even extended to our private lives. Despite relentless scrutiny from the police, Fugard’s unwavering support became a beacon of hope for the duo. However, through all these difficult times Athol stayed with us."

Their partnership stood as a testament to the belief that art could ignite change in an unjust society. 

"Athol was my brother and my comrade in the struggle for the liberation of our country," Kani states, emphasising their shared commitment to protest theatre. 

As Kani mourns the loss of Fugard and Ntshona, he expresses a deep sense of oneliness. 

"Now, with their deaths, I must accept that my two beautiful friends, Winston and Athol, are gone. Now I feel so alone. My only comfort is the memories of these two giants of the South African theatre and the struggle for a better life for all," Kani says, celebrating Fugard’s legacy as a guiding light for generations of theatre practitioners. 

He reiterates Fugard’s belief in the power of words to inspire change, a conviction they both carried throughout their lives. 

"Hamba Qhawe lamaQhawe. Your work is done. Rest in peace my true and loyal friend."

Athol Fugard, the legendary South African playwright, passed away on March 8, 2025, leaving behind an indelible mark on global theatre. 

Renowned for his unflinching works that confronted the brutal realities of apartheid and socio-political injustices, Fugard’s contributions resonated far beyond his homeland, inspiring artists worldwide. 

Born on June 11, 1932, in the small town of Middelburg, in Mpumalanga, Fugard’s early life was shaped by the complexities of racial segregation. His mixed heritage—of English, Afrikaner, and Scottish descent—shaped his worldview and fueled his lifelong dedication to challenging injustice through storytelling. 

His formative years in South Africa’s fractured society laid the foundation for a prolific career that cemented his status as one of the most powerful voices in theatre. 

Fugard’s works, including iconic plays like Master Harold...and the Boys and Blood Knot, delve into themes of identity, conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression. His writing struck a chord with South African audiences while earning critical acclaim on international stages. 

Throughout his distinguished career, Fugard collaborated with a spectrum of actors and directors, enriching South Africa’s theatre landscape. His commitment to mentoring aspiring playwrights and performers highlighted his belief in the arts as a vehicle for social change, amplifying voices that were too often silenced. 

Even after the fall of apartheid, Fugard continued addressing contemporary societal issues, reflecting South Africa’s evolving complexities through his later works. 

This enduring relevance solidified his legacy as a dramatist who never wavered in his pursuit of truth, dignity, and human rights. Fugard’s legacy extends beyond theatre; it symbolises a relentless fight for justice and an unyielding hope for a more equitable world, echoing the experiences of countless South Africans who endured the nation’s painful history — and those who continue to draw strength from his words today. 

"Hamba Qhawe lamaQhawe. Your work is done. Rest in peace my true and loyal friend," salutes Kani.