31 December 2020

The South African Communist Party (SACP) sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mahuma Paul Rapetsoa, a theatre legend, veteran actor, and radio broadcaster. The SACP sends a message of condolences also to his colleagues across the board in the arts and broadcasting industry.

Fondly known as “the father of township theatre”, Rapetsoa made a sterling contribution to the performing arts industry, mentoring many South Africans, especially Black, performers along the way. We also acknowledge the indelible mark he left in his play-writing and broadcasting for Mohlaka Motala and now Mošate wa Tsebo le Boithabišo, Thobela FM. His legacy will continue to live within many performers, writers, broadcasters and producers.

The SACP calls for adequate support for the development of indigenous languages in our arts industry, something which Rapetsoa was passionate about. Deliberate efforts also have to be channelled into ensuring the development of the arts in the townships and rural areas, while at the same time ensuring the protection of performers’ rights in respect of their works. These efforts have to be linked with a radical drive to save the SABC from the jaws of monopoly capital, a crime which has seriously stifled SABC’s growth and in the process kept a lot of creative works from the view of millions around the world.

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY | SACP
EST. 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA | CPSA

Dr Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo
SACP Central Committee Member:
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Hlengiwe Nkonyane
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