The ceremony took place Wednesday at the Market Theatre's iconic Dr. John Kani Theatre.
Legendary actresses Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones and Leleti Khumalo have been honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the second annual Golden Elephant Lifetime Achievement Awards.
The ceremony, hosted by Word of Mouth Pictures and DNA, took place on Wednesday at the iconic Dr John Kani Theatre at Newtown's Market Theatre.
Mtshali and Khumalo were recognised for their significant contribution to the theatre and film industries both locally and internationally.
Also read: Dr Thembi Mutsohali Jones: Decades of artistic excellence and acclaim
Honored and grateful
The iconic actresses expressed deep pride and gratitude as they accepted their awards.
“My career began here. This venue launched my career. With just three days to go until the end of Women's Month, what a great way to say thank you to our fallen heroes,” Khumalo said, adding that sharing the moment with Dr Mtshali Jones was especially meaningful to her.
“Mum Thembi means everything to me,” she added.
Dr Mtshali-Jones reflected on her long and difficult journey in the industry.
“I'm so honored by this award, especially considering where it came from and where I'm receiving it. It's incredibly special.”
Dr Mutshalli Jones reflected on his early days in the industry, where opportunities were few and far between, especially for black artists.
“When I first started, I was performing in Ipi Tombi, singing and dancing in front of a white audience, and my father would ask me every day: 'What are you doing? Who is going to give you money just to sing and dance?' He had no idea what we were doing, because there were no theatres for them.”
Mutsokhari also said her journey was not without challenges as she had to work as a domestic worker after her overseas tour.
She met and was mentored by the legendary Miriam Makeba during her travels abroad and said that relationship had a major impact on her career.
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