WeeklySA_AdminLEGACY: Veteran actor, playwright, poet Sol Rachilo honoured with a special provincial funeral celebrating his contribution to South African arts and his lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent…
By Jacob Mawela
Veteran actor, playwright, poet and mentor Solomon “Sol” Rachilo was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Wednesday following a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category Two.
Mourners from the arts, media and political fraternities gathered at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani for a ceremonial service celebrating the life and legacy of the 94-year-old cultural stalwart.
The service, directed by actor Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and dancer Nomsa Manaka, formed part of a four-stage programme that began with a private gathering at Rachilo’s Mapetla home. The procession and burial were conducted according to official protocol by the South African Police Service.
National flags were flown at half-mast across Gauteng following a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who granted Rachilo the official funeral in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the arts.
Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, representing Premier Panyaza Lesufi, conveyed the provincial government’s condolences to the family. Describing Rachilo as “an organic intellectual embedded in the realities of life”, she said: “Bra Sol has run a good race. His legacy speaks for itself.”
Veteran singer and actor Abigail Kubheka recalled that she and Rachilo had been the last two surviving cast members of the groundbreaking 1973 film Joe Bullet. She lamented the treatment he had endured before ending her tribute with the poignant refrain: “Sol Rah … Sol Rah …”
Author Sandile Memela described Rachilo as the embodiment of a liberated man.
“Bra Sol was the definition of a truly liberated man. He knew who he was — he didn’t seek approval,” Memela said.
Soweto Theatre acting general manager Didimalang Sole said the institution regarded Rachilo, who regularly visited the venue to share his skills and experience, as a father figure. “Ntate Sol, Soweto Theatre will miss you,” she said.
Rachilo’s children also participated in the ceremony, with Nkosinathi performing a song and Banele delivering a prayer. His surviving siblings, Sophie and Sam, joined relatives and friends in bidding him farewell.
The Spirit of 1956 Choir performed during the service as Rachilo’s flag-draped casket stood surrounded by flowers and portraits taken by photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi. After the national anthem and a eulogy led by SAPS Chaplain Lieutenant-Colonel Lucas Moses Seroka, police pallbearers carried the casket to a waiting hearse.
A lengthy cortege, initially led by an SAPS brass band, travelled from Soweto Theatre to Westpark Cemetery, where the ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of the South African flag to the Rachilo family.
Rachilo died on August 15 from injuries sustained in a fire at his home the previous day. His obituary urged mourners not to allow the circumstances of his death to overshadow his extraordinary life.
Born in Pietermaritzburg on December 12 1931, Rachilo later moved to Alexandra and trained as a social worker at Jan Hofmeyr College. His artistic journey began after actor Ken Gampu encouraged him to audition for an Athol Fugard play.
He went on to appear in theatre productions including No-Good Friday and Sponono, as well as film and television productions such as Joe Bullet, Charlie Steel and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
In 1977, he founded the Children of Soweto Action Centre Drama Academy, providing young people with opportunities to express themselves through theatre, music, photography and fine art.
Rachilo is survived by his sister Sophie, brother Sam and children Nkosinathi and Banele
