Tributes continue to pour in following the passing of South African literary giant, Athol Fugard.
The 92-year-old passed after battling a long illness.
Lauded as the greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world by Time magazine in 1989, his works, including classics such as Master Harold … and the Boys, The Road to Mecca, and Tsotsi, later adapted into an Oscar-winning film, challenged injustice and battled prejudice, and continue to receive acclaim both at home and around the world.
RIP Athol Fugard . Thank you for believing in my talent, for giving me chance and a seat at the table. First news paper article. You were sensational!🕊️ pic.twitter.com/64lBkwM60G
— Likho Mango (@YourfaveBhuti) March 9, 2025
The Department of Art, Sports and Culture hailed Fugard for his works and activism over the years.
“South Africa has lost one of its greatest literary and theatrical icons, whose works have shaped the cultural and social landscape of our nation.
“In a world divided by race, Fugard nurtured the careers of acting legends like Dr John Kani and Winston Ntshona, and was one of the founding fathers of the Market Theatre, which is today owned by government through the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture,” said department minister, Gayton Mckenzie.
He said Fugard’s death should be used as an opportunity for all South Africans to be reminded of his enormous contribution through the arts, to reflect on the insights, tragedy, humanity and tenderness of his works, and to be united in the call to keep building a better, more cohesive country in freedom together.
🎭 A giant takes his final bow. Athol Fugard has etched truth into history. His words, a reckoning. His silences, thunderous. Our beloved South Africa has losed a literary titan; the world, a fearless storyteller. Rest in power, Maestro. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/OyEkWvl7c9
— Northern Cape Film Week (@NC_FilmWeek) March 9, 2025
“Fugard’s profound contributions to South African theatre and the struggle for freedom will reverberate through generations, said the Democratic Alliance’s Joe McGluwa.
SA film producer, Anant Singh, said Fugard’s death leaves a huge void in the South African theatre landscape.
“I was inspired by Athol when I started out in the film industry in the 1980s, as he was a role model through his work in protest theatre. As a long-time admirer of his, I was thrilled to collaborate with him on the film adaptation of ‘The Road to Mecca’, in which he also starred alongside Yvonne Bryceland and Academy Award winner, Kathy Bates.
“He leaves a rich legacy of thought-provoking works for generations to come. South Africa has truly lost a national treasure,” Singh said.
Athol Fugard, what a contribution you made to South Africa in difficult times. Deserved rest, my brother.
— Jonathan Jansen (@JJ_Stellies) March 9, 2025
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said Fugard was not just a luminary in the world of theatre; he was a teller of profound stories of hope and resilience about South Africa.
“His narratives, deeply rooted in our nation’s struggles and triumphs, have left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Through his works, Fugard illuminated the path to justice and equality. Cape Town mourns the loss of a true patriot whose legacy will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
RISE Mzansi mourns the passing of legendary South African playwright Athol Fugard at age 92.
Renowned for his fearless storytelling, Fugard used theatre to challenge apartheid and expose injustice.
His works, including Master Harold and the Boys, Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, The… pic.twitter.com/4ddbomwXDQ
— RISE Mzansi (@Rise_Mzansi) March 9, 2025
