From Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation
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The South African creative industry has suffered another loss and this time around the nation mourns the passing on of a veteran film actor, producer, writer and director – Dr Sam Phillips – whose works is internationally acclaimed having been nominated for an Oscar in 1990 for his lead role in a Senzeni Na? short-film. Dr Phillips was also recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Zululand during its 2020 graduation ceremony. As a Living Legend of the national Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Dr Phillips was a leading figure in fostering non-racialism and social cohesion throughout his 40 year acting career.
He also featured in international plays such as Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the boys in New Orleans, USA and around the world. South African audiences will fondly remember him through major television productions such as Phamokate, Backstage, Soul City, The Queen and recently Kings of Joburg. It is reported that Dr Phillips passed on at age 72 on 16 January 2021 due to COVID-19 related complications. The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation dips its banner in honour of this colossal figure who narrated our South African stories to international audiences through television and on theatre stages.
Paying tribute to Dr Phillips, the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mrs Limakatso Mahasa stated that, “It is with a sombre spirit that we have learnt of the untimely departure of one of our distinguished actor and producer Ntate Sam Phillips. He indeed was a reservoir of wisdom and knowledge. We will remember him for a great legacy that he leaves behind. Future generations must learn from his illustrious career that social issues can be addressed and communicated through film and story-telling like Dr Phillips did. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Issued by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR)
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| Enquiries:
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| Tankiso Zola
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| Director: Communication and IT
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| Cell: 082 940 2392
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| Tel: 051 410 4735/4821
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| Email: tankiso@sacr.fs.gov.za
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