The South African government has congratulated Dr John Kani, veteran actor, director and playwright, for being honoured with the esteemed Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Majesty King Charles III.
Dr Kani’s award for “services to drama” acknowledges his extraordinary contributions to the arts in South Africa and internationally.
The Order of the British Empire is one of the most prestigious honours awarded by the United Kingdom, it recognises individuals for their outstanding achievements and service across various fields, such as the arts, sciences, charitable work, and public service.
For Kani, this recognition is a reflection of his lifelong commitment to the arts and his unwavering pursuit of cultural expression through drama.
Kani launched his acting career in the 1960s, during the era of white-minority rule in South Africa. In 1975 Kani won a Tony award with fellow performer Winston Ntshona for their New York performance of Fugard's 1972 play "Sizwe Banzi is Dead".
In recent years he has voiced the wise mandrill Rafiki in the 2019 remake of "The Lion King". He played T'Chaka in the Marvel Studios superhero films "Captain America: Civil War" (2016) and "Black Panther" (2018).
It was my honour to present Dr John Kani with an honorary OBE awarded by HM King Charles for “services to drama” in recognition of his work that has inspired and united so many around the world for so many decades. Thank you Minister @GaytonMcK for joining us!#UKwithSA 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦![CDATA[]]>🎭![CDATA[]]>🇬![CDATA[]]>🇧 pic.twitter.com/mOfe0J56Bs
— Antony Phillipson (@AJPhillipson) August 1, 2024
In a statement, the South African government acknowledged Dr Kani’s recognition which speaks to his remarkable talent and the outstanding work he has put into drama and theatre.
“This acknowledgement is also a celebration of South African excellence on the global stage. His career, spanning decades, has not only shaped the landscape of South African theatre but has also brought the richness of our cultural heritage to the world,” said government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa.
“Kani’s honour serves as a reminder of the power of the arts to bridge divides, inspire change, and bring global recognition to the talents and stories of our nation.
“Government and the people of South Africa celebrate this achievement with Dr Kani as his contribution has not only enriched the South African culture but has also resonated with audiences worldwide. The nation is proud to see one of its own bestowed with such a respected Order.”
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