Hundreds of people have paid their last respects to the legendary actor and performers’ rights activist, Boikie Thomas Mohlamme, at a memorial service held at the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park, Johannesburg on Monday.
The veteran actor, playwright and doyen of Soweto theatre died on Wednesday last week at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital after suffering a heart failure. He was 84.
The SABC’s Auditorium was filled to capacity by actors, actresses, family, friends and colleagues. They were all here to pay tribute to the giant of the acting industry.
The memorial service started with an artistic performance from Max and his group. Mohlamme featured in the 1989 Afrikaans film, ‘n Pot vol Winter. As well as in Warriors from Hell, Taxi to Soweto, and the Final Cut.
Born in Lefurutshane in North West, Mohlmamme has helped to produce and nurture the talent of actors in theatre, film and television. Legendary Abigail Kubheka sang a tribute to him.
Mohlamme is survived by three children and three grandchildren. His wife Roseline Morapedi whom he directed in “Mmalonya” died in a car crash in September 1997. Fellow actor John Kani who attended Morapedi’s funeral feels old wounds will be evoked as he is now going to be burying her husband.
The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Joyce Mabudafhasi was among the mourners who paid tribute to the giant.
Mohlamme’s funeral service will be held at the Leondale Community Hall on the East Rand tuesday morning.
He will be laid to rest at the Chris Hani Cemetery in South Park in Leondale.