30 August 2010

On 29 August 2010, the Department of Arts and Culture hosted a concert to pay tribute to women at the State Theatre in Pretoria. The concert, which was free of charge, concert marked the end of the department’s Women’s Month programme of activities. During this month, the department hosted the Dulcie September Memorial Lecture, African Women Writers’ Symposium, launch of the Sarah Bartmann concept design, and the declaration of the graves of struggle icons Charlottte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph as heritage sites.

The pioneering concert was preceded by the Minister’s meeting with artists to discuss how it should be implemented and how to continue with it in the future. The successful gathering indeed laid the foundation for dazzling performances by artists across the generational spectrum. These artists were Dorothy Masuka, Thandi Klaassen, Irene Mawela, Mahothella Queens, Nothembi Mkhwebane, Zenzi Lee, Gloria Bosman, Chomee, Siphokazi, Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana, Abigail Kubeka, Nhlanhla Nciza, Debra Fraser, Mara Louw, Linda Kekana, Nianell, Tamara Dey, Melanie Scholtz, Sibongile Khumalo, and Sylvia Mdunyelwa.

In to order acknowledge and recognise the meaningful contribution of women in the sustainable development of the arts, culture and heritage sector, Minister Xingwana honoured several women artists in different categories namely, music, theatre, poetry, writers, dance,  film, craft and visual arts. “Tonight we want to acknowledge women who have made and are making a solid contribution to the arts in this country and in projecting our arts and culture to the world”. Minister Xingwana said.

The recipients were as follows:

Music sector: Dorothy Masuka, Thandi Klaasen, Abigail Kubeka, Nothembi Mkhwebane, Mahotella Queens, Mara Louw, Irene Mawela, Letta Mbulu
Sylvia Mdunyelwa, and the late Dolly Rathebe, Miriam Makeba, Lebo Mathosa, Busi Mhlongo, and Brenda Fassie,

Theatre: Vaal Donald, Rina Ninaberg, Mary Twala and the late Roseline Morapeli

Writers: Gladys Thomas, Miriam Tlali, and the late Elize Botha

Dance: Sylvia Glasser

Film industry and comedy: Lillian Dube, Harriet Gavshon, and the late Daphney Hlomuka

Craft sector: Noria Mabaso and the late Nesta Nala

Visual arts: Esther Mahlangu.

Media enquiries: Mack Lewele on 082 450 50 76/012 441 3083

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