Download PRESS RELEASE - Number 43 Trelawney Park

PRESS RELEASE.
For immediate release
November 2011
ANC CENTENARY CELEBARTIONS MUSICAL
SHOW.
MBONGENI NGEMA’ S NUMBER 43.
Kwa Magogo
Home Away from Home, Haven, Fortress, Intelligence Repository, Key Meeting point,
as well as Battleground for many - for over 40 years.
The Musical that celebrates, unsung Heroes and heroines of our
liberation Struggle.
Created, Composed, and Directed by king of African theatre Mbongeni Ngema known for
seminal works such as Asinamali, Sarafina, The Zulu and Lion of the East to name a few.
After resurrecting and celebrating Gert Sibande in his last blockbuster musical Ngema is back
with another musical, Number 43, which celebrates the life of Rebecca Makgomo Masilela
popular known as UMagogo and her home Number 43 Trelawney Park, in Swaziland, best
known as Kwa Magogo.
This milestone production will include a potpourri of music, dance and acting which has
become a hallmark of Ngema.
UMagogo, described by many as the Godmother of the African National Congress in exile,
opened her house to cadres of the struggle, turning it into a Home Away from Home, Haven,
Fortress, Intelligence Repository, Key Meeting point, as well as Battleground for many - for
over 40 years. Freedom Fighters such as the current President Mr. Jacob Zuma, John
Nkadimeng and General Siphiwe Gebuza Nyanda , to name a few, have all passed through
Number 43 for its warmth and safeness.
On the 27th on March 2009, His Excellency President PK Motlanthe bestowed posthumously
on Rebecca Makgomo Masilela (uMagogo) the Order of Luthuli in Silver, which is awarded
to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy,
human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution. UMagogo has
earned this recognition through “… her inspiring contribution as a nurturing mother to the
exiled cadres who lived in Swaziland during the struggle.” This she did over a period
covering about 40 years, including the most trying times of the marauding South African
death squads, who wreaked untold havoc in the Kingdom of Swaziland and the entire
Southern African region.
This story is befitting, as the centre piece for the celebration of 100 years of South Africa’s
struggle and ANC’s existence.
Quotes
“An extremely warm place. On the basis of information collected there, I would develop my
reports to Lusaka. Number 43 was like an engine room.” - John Nkadimeng founder
member of Cosatu.
Given that Liliesleaf was a national headquarters of the ANC, one of highly strategic and
national importance, it cannot easily be paralleled. On the other hand, Number 43 was a
haven mainly for people operating on the eastern front, like similar houses in Botswana and
Zambia. It was at the centre of the ANC’s military operations. From an operational
viewpoint, however, it may be a complex exercise to try and compare the two properties.” Siphiwe Gebhuza Nyanda former minister of communication. \
Slick, Powerful, Smooth, Appealing, Attractive NUMBER 43 will be created by the musical
theatre emperor himself Mbongeni Ngema with most material from the book Number 43
Trelawney Park, Kwa Magogo written by one of the most esteemed South African writers
and commentators Mr. Elias Masilela.
NUMBER 43 will be launched at the Market Theatre on the 29 November 2011.
Creator, Composer, and director, Mbongeni Ngema.
Guest Speakers:
ACTS: Mbongeni Ngema Ensemble.
DATES: 29 November 2011
TIMES: 19: 30 H FOR 20H00
VENUE: Market Theatre.
Ample safe parking.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OTTO MOLOTO – 082 220 0332. OR
EMAIL [email protected]
Please visit website: http://www.number43trelawneypark.com for more insightful
information.