The Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with Drum Magazine will host a Memorial Lecture on Can Themba. Daniel Canodoise "Can" Themba was a renowned South African short-story writer, a journalist and an editor at Drum Magazine. The occasion will take place on Friday, 21 June 2013 at the State Theatre, Pretoria.
The lecture will be delivered by Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, distinguished writer and former Can Themba’s student Mbulelo Mzamane, and former Press Ombudsman and Chair of the National Editors’ Forum, Joe Thloloe.
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile, describes Can Themba as “an eloquent debater, immensely talented writer and a daring journalist.” He further argues, “As the custodians of our national heritage, it is our duty and responsibility to recognise, promote and celebrate excellence in our literary landscape.”
A number of prominent artists, including Sello Maake kaNcube, Lebo Mashile and Masoja Msiza, will perform in tribute to Can Themba.
The lecture is being held on the day that would have been Can Themba’s 89th birthday. This year also marks the fiftieth anniversary of Themba’s classic short story, “The Suit,” which was first published in 1963.
Members of the media are invited; the details of the event are as follows:
Venue: State Theatre, Pretoria
Date: 21 June 2013
Time: 18h00 for 19h00
Media inquiries:
Mack Lewele
E-mail: MackC@dac.gov.za
Cell: 082 450 5076
Teresa Magidela Shabalala
Tel: 012 441 3626
Cell: 082 933 9156
E-mail: TeresaS@dac.gov.za
RSVP:
Josias Pila
Tel: 012 441 3713
Cell: 078 733 9709
E-mail: JosiasP@dac.gov.za
Madimetja Moleba
Tel: 012 441 3737
Cell: 072 842 6594
E-mail: MadimetjaM@dac.gov.za
