Staff Writer
Condolence messages continue to pour in for legendary playwright/filmmaker/producer Cont Mhlanga who died aged (64) at United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) on Monday after battling with Pneumonia for the last 10 days.
The Board, Management and Staff of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) said they were saddened by the death of National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) Legend Cont Mhlanga.
In a statement, the NACZ said the death of Mhlanga an internationally acclaimed playwright, filmmaker and creative director was particularly difficult to fathom coming at a time he had been recently appointed as a member of the National Team for the creation of a national strategy for the Zimbabwe Film Sector.
“Mhlanga was expected to provide leadership and useful insights into the development trajectory of the film sector which is being re-engineered to contribute significantly to the economy leveraging on his career in the cultural and creative industries began which began in 1982 when he formed Amakhosi,” NACZ said.
Tanja Lubbers formerly Hivos country director in Zimbabwe wrote: “Our friend Cont Mhlanga has passed on to the spiritual world. On this picture he receives the Dutch Prince Claus Fund award.
He brought back hagelslag for us. He will be dearly missed in Zimbabwean arts scene and the audience as a whole. As a playwright, producer, director and so much more. He educated generations in art, spirituality and leadership. Daves Guzha and I will miss a great friend. Wishing all who love him strength and love.”
Malawi based Zimbabwean filmmaker Stanley Mambo said: “It’s a dark day! You are gone, all is dark but I find light celebrating you. I will cherish the key you shared and enable the Artist I am open different doors. Rest in light and peace Malume Cont Mhlanga.”
Rooftop Promotions producer Daves Guzha who worked closely with Cont commented: “Imi Madhara imi!! Cont Mhlanga! How does one even begin to process such a colossal loss!!
“How do you exit the stage at this most crucial of times! They don’t make man like you anymore! “You were made of sterner stuff! Fearless! Humble! Noble in your method of challenging dissent. A provocateur!
“Family, friend, advisor with an incisive mind. You spoke and practiced truth to power! A playwright of our time! Director, Producer, Cultural Entrepreneur! You can will be sadly missed in our household Tanja Lubbers and the many enriching discussions! May the children, family and Gogo be comforted in this most trying of times! To sleep you may have gone! But your deeds and works are interred for posterity!”
Mhlanga an accomplished actor himself starred as Mtutureli Niekwu in an anti-apartheid movie A World Apart which was released in 1988.
In a career spanning dacades Mhlanga wrote more than 20 plays which include The Good President, The End, Sinjalo, Children on Fire, Games and Bombs, Members only, Workshop Negative and Vikela. He has three books to his name including the play “Nansi leNdoda” a former A level set book and “Ngakade Ngisazi” a collection of short stories.
He adapted this theatre play Stitsha for television and it became a series featuring the late Beater Mangethe on ZBC TV. The TV drama was a tension and struggle between Thuli played by Beater and her tough on-screen brother, Mopho. The narrative was hugely Zimbabwean showcasing compelling Zimbabwean stories by Zimbabweans.
Another of his plays Sinjalo explored everyday challenges in the life of two friends, Sakhamuzi (Ndebele) and Foromani. (Shona) a narrative which sought to teach the world that both Ndebele and Shona people of Zimbabwe could live together as friends with no enmity and prejudice.
He also created and developed ‘Friday Live at Amakhosi’ a television show on ZBC where- live music bands would perform and competitions such as Dreams to Fame also discovered young talent as they targeted upand-coming artistes. Later wrote and directed Amakorokoza, a very popular TV series then as he continued to push boundaries of public discourse on critical social issues.
Cont will be remembered for his life which he dedicated to the Cultural and Creative industries which he used to champion the human rights cause as well as articulating the socio-economic and political situation in Zimbabwe. He was a great mentor who, through Amakhosi he has helped to discover and mentor some of the country’s talented artists and professional groups alike
In 2021, Cont was one of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) 40 Legends who were given honorary awards as part of Zimbabwe’s 40th Independence Anniversary.
Mourners are gathered at number 488 Nguboyenja, Bulawayo. May His Soul Rest in Peace.
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