Langalakhe Mabena
Arts and Entertainment Hub
NKULULEKO DUBE, founder and director of Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa), has revealed that Babongile Sikhonjwa’s artistry was deeply-rooted in theatre although he was versatile.
Sikhonjwa (49) died on Sunday in Bulawayo. Dube recounted their relationship dating back to 1989, when they were schoolmates at Mzingwane High School.
“Sikhonjwa was not just a colleague in the arts like anybody else. He was more like my twin brother because we literally grew up together. My dad and his father were headmasters and worked for the Public Service Commission. Their bond made me and Sikhonjwa like brothers as our families were very close.
“I went to school with him at Mzingwane, and he later went to Milton High for his Advanced Level studies. While at school, we created the Mzingwane Drama Club, which became a force to reckon with in boarding schools because we brought a theatre revolution to these schools,” Dube said.
Sikhonjwa’s other talents were later recognised by the late arts doyen Cont Mhlanga, who hosted the Mzingwane Drama Club at Amakhosi’s Umkhosi Wabatsha Festival, attracting high school drama clubs from across the country.
“We were more of protest theatre performers inspired by the Apartheid era in South Africa, so most of our plays focused on black empowerment. At one point, we performed at Umkhosi Wabatsha, and soon after our set, Cont Mhlanga called us.
“He told Sikhonjwa that with his voice, he would become a great radio host, and he told me to focus on poetry. I believe the old man prophesied our careers,” said Dube.
Dube and Sikhonjwa maintained a strong friendship into adulthood. He recalls the media personality as a selfless character who played a significant role in establishing Iyasa.
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