Yoshikazu Tsuno / AFP
Renowned South African actor and playwright, John Kani, has paid tribute to fellow legendary playwright, Athol Fugard, who died at the age of 92.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Athol Fugard. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he wrote in a post on X.
According to reports on Sunday, he died at his home in Stellenbosch after battling a long illness.
The Western Cape government also said it was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Fugard.
“It is a very sad day for South Africa. Athol Fugard was one of our country’s greatest playwrights, who managed to capture everyday stories of people in our country in every play,” said Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie.
Western Cape premier Alan Winde said Fugard’s “penetrating, sharp wit has left an indelible mark on our shared cultural heritage, and his acute understanding of our country's political and cultural makeup is unmatched”.
He said the playwright, widely regarded as the country’s “greatest playwright” would be sorely missed.
Fugard, who was born in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape in 1932, was also best known for his plays opposing the apartheid system.
His novel Tsotsi was adapted into a movie by director, Gavin Hood, winning an Academy Award in 2005.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Athol Fugard. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Elder ???? pic.twitter.com/BVrKRczUxB
— JOHN KANI OIS OBE (@KANI_ELDER) March 9, 2025
