Tshwane - President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial official funeral for the late celebrated actor-playwright Winston Ntshona, the Presidency said on Wednesday.
"This special provincial official funeral, category 2 funeral, is designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa for distinguished persons. The president has instructed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in the Eastern Cape province on the day of Mr Winston Ntshona’s funeral, which will take place in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality on Friday, 10 August 2018," said the Presidency in a statement.
Ntshona is a recipient of the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for "his excellent" contribution to theatre and the arts scene in South Africa.
"Mr Ntshona was a protest theatre stalwart who captivated audiences globally and earned the prestigious Tony Award for Best actor from the American Theater Wing and Broadway League for his seminal performances in the political dramas 'Sizwe Banzi is Dead' and 'The Island", said the Presidency's statement.
Ramaphosa has extended his sincere condolences to the Ntshona family, as well as friends, colleagues and comrades.
The theatre legend and anti-apartheid activist, Ntshona, passed away last week after a long battle with illness. He was 76.