Renowned actor Oupa Malatjie was given a poignant and dignified send-off, like his extraordinary achievements demanded.
Malatjie died last Monday after a short illness after he had been involved in a car accident.
He was buried on Saturday morning in his home town of Bushbuckridge, Acornhoek, in the Mpumalanga province.
The talented actor’s cousin, Joseph Elias Mahlake, described Malatjie as always bubbly and a people’s person.
“Besides his tremendous work on screen or stage as an actor, Malatjie was just a loving person.
“He was really loved by all. He was a loving father to his children and a brother and true friend to us all. This man loved his family, especially his children. I have never seen any man this dedicated and responsible,” said Mahlake.
As a performing artist, Mahlake described Malatjie as a pure genius.
“This man was so passionate about his craft. He actually began doing home skits while we were still growing up. We knew from then that he was destined for greater things. To follow his dream, he came to Johannesburg where he became a professional. There are so many talented youngsters that he has groomed over the years and are today professional on-screen and theatre actors,” said Mahlake.
Malatjie has starred in Thola, an SABC2 drama, as Lt Jimu; as Samuel, the councillor on e.tv’s Broken Vows; Obed on One More Time and Malume on Unkel and Sticks to name but a few of his on-screen roles. Notably though, has to be his time on the Generations set.
As part of his giving-back initiatives, Malatjie had established a performing arts programme, under Tswelopele Performing Artists (TSWEPA), which concentrated on training local aspiring actors, dancers and singers.
Malatjie has taken many local actors abroad, where they showcased the crafts.
