The Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr. Z. Pallo Jordan learnt with a deep sorrow of the sudden and untimely death of John Matshikiza, the film, television and stage actor, in a Johannesburg restaurant on the night of  15th September 2008.

John, or Johnny as he was known by his friends, was born into the extremely gifted Matshikiza family fifty five years ago. He was the son of Todd and Esme Matshikiza both of whom were deeply involved in the arts. As a young boy he emigrated to Britain with his parents in 1961 when the musical King Kong hit the stages of London’s West End. He moved to Zambia when Todd Matshikiza was appointed Head of the Zambia Broadcasting Services when that country attained independence in 1965.

Johnny grew up in an environment rich in artistic creativity and displayed a talent for the stage during his high school days. He lost his father, Todd, a musician of outstanding ability whose contribution to South Africa’s musical heritage has still to be fully appreciated, in 1968.

After completing his studies in Zambia, Johnny enrolled at the Central School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art in Swiss Cottage, London where he honed his theatrical skills.

As a youth in Zambia, Johnny joined the ANC Youth and Student Section and formed part of the ANC Youth and Students section delegation to the World Youth Festival in the July 1972. While a student in London he became actively involved in the work of the ANC throwing himself body and soul into the work of mobilising international solidarity through “Mayibuye”, the ANC’s cultural troupe that regularly toured the capitals of western Europe. He was appointed to serve on the Editorial board of “Sechaba”, the ANC’s official organ, from 1974 until 1978 when his exceptional writing skills were recognized.

Johnny was so impressive an actor that on graduation he was recruited by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Britain’s leading theatre company. Serving his stage apprenticeship amongst the UK’s leading young actors and directors, by the mid-1980s Johnny was a well known figure in theatre circles in Britain. With these credentials he
soon moved on to television and film. He was cast as Walter Sisulu in Danny Glover’s movie “Mandela” in 1985. He also found intermittent work in radio plays, television and on the stage during those years.

A skilled actor and gifted writer, Johnny placed his talents at the disposal of the movement until he was able to return to South Africa in 1991. As an African actor here at home, work in the theatre was not easy to come by. In addition to a few movie parts, like “There’s a Zulu on My Stoep”, Johnny found work in film and television. He tried his hand at directing, working in Johannesburg’s Windybrow Theatre. Following in the footsteps of his father,Todd, he became a regular columnist for the “ Mail and Guardian in 1996, borrowing the title of Todd’s column in Drum Magazine, “With the Lid Off”. He was later taken on by the “Weekender”, the Saturday edition of “Business Day”.

Johnny Matshikiza was able to celebrate the work of Todd Matshikiza with Robert Brook’s MIAGI orchestra in 2005. He later staged a revue based on his father’s work with support from the Department of Arts and Culture in 2006. Always keen to project African creativity, he was planning the revival of the “King Kong” at the time of his death.

Johnny’s tragic demise represents an extremely heartrending loss for South African arts, especially theatre. It beggars the term ironic that an actor who attracted the talent scouts of the Royal Shakespeare Company found it so difficult to secure regular employment in South Africa.

The Minister of Arts and Culture extends his heartfelt condolences to the Matshikiza family, especially his mother, Esme, sister Marion and his two daughters.Johnny is survived by his first wife, Dr Tanya Abrahamse, to whom we extend our deepest commiserations as well. In this time of bereavement and loss, draw strength and comfort from all the friends and comrades who mourn with you.

Johnny will be sorely missed for his wit, his sense of humour and his gifts as an actor and a writer.

For further information please call Sandile Memela, Spokesperson, at 082 800 3750 or Premi Appalraju, Media Liaison Officer at 082 903 6778