African film-making pioneer Lionel Ngakane dies

Johannesburg – One of the greatest stalwarts of the African film industry, Lionel Ngakane, died in Rustenburg yesterday after a long illness.

The National Film and Video Foundation expressed its condolences to the Ngakane family and commended the invaluable contribution Dr Ngakane had made to the film industry in South Africa and on the continent.

NFVF head Eddie Mbalo said: “Dr Ngakane’s passion for this industry was contagious and his dedication has inspired generations of film makers, including myself.” He said Dr Ngakane had dedicated his life and experience to the advancement and development of the film industry.

“The South African film industry and the NFVF owe their existence to him. We are relieved we were able, while he was still alive, to initiate a fund, named the Dr Lionel Ngakane Scholarship fund, with an annual R1-million committed by the NFVF, which will live on as legacy to his contribution to the development of film in South Africa.”

Dr Ngakane, 75, was instrumental in paving the way for the recognition of African cinema internationally. He brought recognition for African filmmakers through his participation in the conceptualisation of the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers.

He started his media career in 1948 as a journalist with the Zonk and Drum magazines, and then moved to the film industry in 1950 as an assistant to Zultan Korda, producer/director of Cry The Beloved Country. The film launched an international acting and film-making career. – Sapa

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