Mzwakhe Mbuli Set To Be Honoured At Soweto Theatre's Wall Of Fame

Holifil

03 Apr, 2025

Iconic poet Mzwakhe Mbuli is set to be celebrated this September at the Soweto Theatre.
The legendary activist will officially join the Wall of Fame at the prestigious venue.
Mbuli will stand alongside other trailblazers recognized as part of the Legends of Soweto in the City of Gold.

Mzwakhe Mbuli is set to join the Wall of Fame at the Soweto Theatre. Image: @mzwakhembuli Source: Instagram

In September 2024, the legendary South African poet Mzwakhe Mbuli is set to receive well-deserved recognition at the iconic Soweto Theatre. This event marks not just an acknowledgment of his contributions but a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to the arts, activism, and uplifting the human spirit. Let's dive deeper into what makes this moment so special.

Mzwakhe Mbuli Joins the Wall of Fame: A Celebration of Legacy

Mzwakhe Mbuli, a name synonymous with courage, creativity, and resilience, has once again captured the spotlight—but this time for all the right reasons. The anti-apartheid activist and poet is about to be inducted into the Wall of Fame at the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg. This isn’t just another accolade; it’s a testament to his enduring impact on South African culture and history.

According to local media outlet ZiMoja, Mbuli will join an esteemed group of recipients known as the Legends of Soweto in the City of Gold. These honorees are being celebrated during a gala evening designed to pay tribute to those whose lives have left indelible marks on their communities. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come as a nation—and how much further we can go when inspired by such remarkable individuals.

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When asked for his thoughts on the occasion, Mbuli expressed that CEO Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema and her team would soon release official statements detailing the event. Clearly, there’s excitement building around what promises to be a memorable night filled with tributes and heartfelt speeches.

A Candid Conversation About Politics and Principles

Earlier this year, in June 2024, Mbuli made headlines for reasons unrelated to poetry or performance. He openly shared his decision to stop supporting the African National Congress (ANC), citing an outstanding debt of R500,000 owed since 2009. The story behind this financial dispute is both fascinating and frustrating. Back then, the ANC approached him to rally artists together for a project supporting athlete Caster Semenya after her historic victory at the IAAF Athletics World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

Mbuli took on the challenge with enthusiasm, organizing several prominent artists like Rebecca Malope, Don Laka, Ntando, Solly Moholo, and Camagwini. Together, they created individual tracks that eventually formed an album titled The Human Spirit Triumphs. Despite his efforts, however, he faced repeated rejections whenever he sought payment from Luthuli House. As he put it bluntly, "For years, I went to Luthuli House to demand my payment, only to return empty-handed each time." Fed up with the lack of resolution, Mbuli decided to step away from ANC events altogether.

"I no longer attend any ANC-related events, from the January 8 celebrations to their rallies."

Sarafina!: A Timeless Classic Continues to Shine

While Mzwakhe Mbuli’s story dominates headlines, another piece of South African cultural history is making waves internationally. The film Sarafina!, released over three decades ago, continues to impress audiences worldwide. Just recently, the movie was showcased at the Cannes Classics Official Selection on May 21st. Producer Anant Singh attended the prestigious festival alongside Leleti Khumalo, who immortalized the role of Sarafina.

This historic sale and renewed interest in Sarafina! highlight the timeless relevance of South African stories. These narratives transcend borders and generations, reminding us of our shared humanity and the power of art to bridge divides. Whether through poetry, music, or cinema, South Africa’s creative voices continue to inspire and educate globally.

So as we look forward to celebrating legends like Mzwakhe Mbuli, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the lasting legacy of works like Sarafina!. Both serve as reminders of where we’ve been and point us toward where we’re going—a future shaped by courage, creativity, and unity.