Winston-Salem, NC – Recently, the city of creativity and innovation, Winston-Salem, played host to an unforgettable event titled “The Legacy of Freedom: A Nelson Mandela Celebration of Freedom.” This momentous gathering brought together influential voices and distinguished guests in a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
The event, which took place earlier this month, featured acclaimed South African actress and author Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones, who captivated the audience with a heartfelt reading from her book, “Theatre Road.” The book, a proudly South African product, chronicles Mtshali-Jones’s journey through the world of theatre and the profound impact of meeting and receiving validation from the late President Nelson Mandela. Her poignant reflections on Mandela’s influence served as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage.
“There is more that brings us together than separates us. I feel blessed to witness what is now possible through the power of creating. Art is the healing balm that has always been needed,” says Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones
Actress, producer and special guest Fundi Zwane, the award-winning actress and businesswoman, delivered an inspiring speech on the significance of preserving South African heritage. She emphasised the importance of creating synergies among global citizens, highlighting the potential for cross-cultural collaborations and creative integration. Zwane’s passionate advocacy for heritage preservation resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the value of remembering and honouring one’s roots in a rapidly globalising world.
“We are witnessing the power of innovation, creativity, and story. Freedom was once an ideal that was fought for by our forebearers, now it’s a vehicle for expression because we all understand that Freedom is a birthright bestowed on every human being,” shared Zwane.
The event’s highlight was the engaging dialogue that followed the presentations. Attendees participated in a lively discussion, posing thoughtful questions and sharing their perspectives. The conversation explored the powerful opportunities for creative collaborations between South Africa and the United States, with a focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect. The dialogue sparked a collective enthusiasm for future partnerships and innovative projects that could bridge cultural divides and celebrate shared human experiences.
As the afternoon drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, eager to explore new avenues for collaboration and cultural exchange. “The Legacy of Freedom: A Nelson Mandela Celebration of Freedom” not only honoured the memory of Nelson Mandela but also served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and the forging of new creative synergies.
Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones Biography:
Thembi Mtshali-Jones is a celebrated actress and activist known for her impactful roles and unwavering commitment to social justice. With a career spanning over 40 years, she is an advocate for freedom and equality through her work, using her platform to inspire and empower the next generation of artists.
Multi-talented Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones is recognised as one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists, renowned for her contributions as a singer, actress, producer, and playwright. Her distinguished career has placed her in the League of South African Legends. She co-founded Spirit Sister Productions in 2006, producing the women’s television magazine program ‘The Power Within’ for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Since 2009, Thembi has served as a juror for the International Emmy Awards for Film and Television. Additionally, she has been a member of the Advisory Board for the Chelsea Film Festival in New York, USA, since 2015.
Board Memberships
– Gauteng Film Commission: November 2014 – December 2017
– Council Member and Deputy Chair, Playhouse Co.: December 2014 – November 2017
– Baxter Theatre, Cape Town: December 2017 – November 2020
– Living Legends Legacy Fraternity Trust (LLLFT): December 2019 – Present
Early Life and Career
Born in Durban and raised in KwaMashu Township, Thembi began singing in school concerts. Her professional career as an actress started in the early 70s with the original Umabatha (a Zulu adaptation of Macbeth), which was invited to the World Theatre Season in London. She later moved to Johannesburg and joined the musical Ipi Tombi, where she played the lead role of Mama Tembu, touring the world, including performances on London’s West End and New York City’s Broadway.
While in the US, Thembi collaborated with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Upon returning to South Africa, she formed the band Peace with Sipho Gumede and joined the Market Theatre Company, working on productions such as Black And White Follies and Have You Seen Zandile, the latter co-written with Gcina Mhlophe and Maralin Vanrenen. She also co-wrote and performed in Eden and Other Places and Inyanga Women of Africa, and toured with Malcolm Purkey’s musical Marabi in the UK and the US.
Theatre Highlights
In 1999, Thembi co-wrote and starred in A Woman in Waiting, a one-woman play based on her life story, created and directed by Yael Farber. The production won a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival and later transferred to London’s New Ambassador Theatre. A Woman in Waiting has been performed in South Africa, Tunisia, Canada, the USA, Bermuda, Paris, Azerbaijan, Dubai, and Hong Kong.
In 2006, Thembi participated in Michael Lessac’s international theatre production Truth In Translation, which premiered in Rwanda and toured the US, Europe, and South Africa. The American Time Magazine praised her performance, highlighting her extraordinary impact on audiences.
In 2009, she created a one-woman play adapted from Sindiwe Magona’s novel Mother to Mother, which premiered at the Baxter Theatre in South Africa and toured Rwanda, Europe, the UK, Bermuda, and the US. In 2014, she created Gogo and Big Sister, a musical revue that also performed at the National Black Theatre Festival in 2015 and 2017.
Television and Awards
Thembi has led award-winning television dramas such as Imbewu The Seed for ETV as MaNdlovu and starred in hit sitcoms Sgudi’Snayis and Stokvel, the latter receiving an International Emmy nomination in 2004.
In 2019, she released her autobiographical book Theatre Road and celebrated her Platinum birthday by receiving the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 2020, she won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for her monumental contributions to the industry. In 2022, she was honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts from the Durban University of Technology.
Recent Achievements
In 2023, Thembi represented South Africa at the Berlinale in Germany for the global premiere of the anti-apartheid film Mapantsula, directed by Oliver Schmitz. The event, where she mingled with industry giants like Euzhan Palcy and Steven Spielberg, marked another milestone in her illustrious career, showcasing her enduring influence and commitment to South African arts and culture.