Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan today expressed his deep sympathy to the family of Ben Nomoyi, playwright, scriptwriter, media trainer and director who passed away yesterday, after being hospitalised at Frere Hospital in East London.
Nomoyi, (25 December 1939 – 12 June 2016) was born in Korsten and after forced removals grew up in New Brighton. “We are all saddened to learn of the passing of Ben Nomoyi. His enormous contribution to the television industry in South Africa is unrivalled. Over the past four decades he played a significant role in the cultural renaissance of South Africa,” said Executive Mayor Dr Danny Jordaan. Nomoyi will be buried in our city on 24 June.
After being bundled out of Fort Hare where he had enrolled as a law student for his role in student activism he decided to pick up writing and he debuted as writer in 1967 and director of the musical “Born to Lose” which toured the country for two years.
“Nomoyi ventured to film in 1972 with Inkedama followed by Unolitye, where he produced a record of 65 episodes the first production in the vernacular, which earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records. We are proud of his sterling contribution to the growth and development of television in this country” added Executive Mayor Jordaan.
On the back of his successful play, he went on to pen and direct a three-hander simply titled “Why?” featuring Vuyisile Bojana, Tai Zamxaka and Malfets Borolwana. Soon later he took leave from directing his own plays to collaborate with his friend, doyen of South African theatre the late Gibson Kente.
“Nomoyi joins the celestial band of eclectic and creative individuals from our Metro such as Welcome Duru, James Tyhikile Matyu, Velile “Jwara” Tandani, Zenzile “My Friend” Ntlabathi, Norman Ntshinga, Mabel Magada, Fezile Ngwenda, Ntsiki Mali, Rosey Koloi, Baba Naka and Velile Ngqondela” added Executive Mayor Jordaan.
“My sympathy goes to his relatives and those closest to him. As well as being a path breaking filmmaker, Nomoyi was a husband, father and grandfather and I extend my condolences to the family whom he held so dear.”
NMB Communications
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