“South Africa has lost a legend with the passing of the great and charismatic artist, Ben Nomoyi,” said Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
Ben Nomoyi was born in Korsten but due to forced removals was removed to New Brighton, Port Elizabeth where he grew up. He studied at the University of Fort Hare but due to his active engagement in politics, he was kicked out. He focused on his writing and later emerged as a writer and a musical director.
“He had a myriad of talents and was an all-rounder, who made his mark as a playwright, scriptwriter, trainer, director, producer and filmmaker. He collaborated with Gibson Kente and was mentored by Athol Fugard. He worked in the television and film industry for more than 40 years. We salute his sterling contribution to South Africa,” said Minister Mthethwa.
Chairperson of the Living Legends Legacy Programme, Mr Welcome Msomi, expressed his sadness at the passing of Ben Nomoyi. “This is a huge loss to our country and to the film and television industry. Ben Nomoyi was a great son of our soil. We shall ensure that his legacy lives on, that his story is told and his contribution known so that it continues to influence new generations.”
In recent years, Ben Nomoyi expressed his concerns about the need to train youth joining the film industry especially in the Eastern Cape. He also inspired new generations to greater heights.
Not content to celebrate his own success, he stressed youth development, stating in an interview that: “It is incumbent upon us to make it easier for ourselves by changing the situation, while knowledge must also have receptive ears to make a success.” Speaking at the first Eastern Cape film Festival in 2015, he exhorted youth: “Mobilise yourselves to be a unified force. You need to be specialists and deliver products that are export ready as your productions need to be of huge economic impact.”
“Ben Nomoyi was passionate and creative, a leader and an educator at heart. Our sincere condolences go his family and friends and all who knew him,” said Minister Mthethwa.
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