Pretoria – South African legendary actor Dr. John Kani has been made an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to drama.
An OBE is a British chivalric order which recognises one for making a great impact in their line of work.
Commenting on the remarkable achievement, Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Goodenough Zizi Kodwa on Wednesday said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. John Bonisile Kani for being made an honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire”.
Minister Kodwa added: “This latest acclaim is a testament to the immeasurable legacy Dr. Kani has made to theatre around the world. “Dr Kani has directed and performed in productions that will live long in our consciousness.
“The likes of Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, Kunene and the King¸
“Nothing But the Truth, Hayani, and many other productions by Dr Kani, continue to be performed decades after they were first seen on stage.”
In a career spanning 60 years, Dr Kani has received great acclaim for his work in theatre, film, and television.
Dr. Kani’s legacy extends beyond South Africa’s borders, having made his mark in Hollywood, and particularly in British theatre.
In 2016, Dr. Kani received the national honour of the Order of Ikhamanga Silver for his excellent contributions to theatre through this struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.
In August 2023, on his 80th birthday, Dr. Kani was acclaimed in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition series.
His full titles are now OBE, OIS, and Dr.
