Izindaba

Veteran actor pleasantly surprised to find street named after him

By SIHLE MKHIZE

Veteran actor and playwright, John Kani was going about his business, helping his son deliver an art piece in Alberton, Gauteng when he came across a street bearing his name.

The Black Panther actor was so pleasantly surprised that he had to take a picture under the street sign and post it on his Twitter page, expressing his gratitude at such an honour.

“My son, who is an artist, and I went to deliver a painting to a client who lives in Eden Park Alberton, and what a pleasant surprise. A street in my name. Thank you to the Ekurhuleni government for the honour. Also honoured was Sipho Sepamla and Achmat Dangor,” wrote Kani.

The 77-year-old Golden Horn Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is among the finest of actors to come out of South Africa, and has been in a number of international movies and theatre productions including the Lion King.

His appreciation of such a small gesture as a street name in an unpopular suburb like Alberton is just an indication of how humble he is.

The post drew positive feedback, and among those who replied was former Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela.

“You deserve it John Kani. You contributed immensely to the midwifery behind the democracy we have, unlike some of the names I’ve seen in Pretoria. Congratulations,” she wrote.

Some however highlighted the fact that his finding out about the street name means he wasn’t informed nor invited when it was named and unveiled.

Related Articles

Back to top button