South African playwright and anti-apartheid icon Athol Fugard has passed away at the age of 92, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The mayor’s office in Cape Town, near Fugard’s home, paid tribute to the legendary writer, actor, and director, describing him as “a true patriot” whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Over a career spanning seven decades, Fugard wrote more than 30 plays, many of which confronted the brutal realities of apartheid.
His work was celebrated both locally and internationally for its fearless critique of the racist system that ended in 1994.
He was among the first to challenge apartheid’s taboos by featuring black and white actors together on stage.
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality, Fugard’s influence extended beyond the arts, making him a pivotal figure in South Africa’s political and cultural landscape.
His impact was further recognised in 2006 when Tsotsi, a film adaptation of his 1961 novel, won South Africa’s first Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
In 2011, he was honoured with a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in theatre.
