WeeklySA_AdminLIFETIME: Artists and admirers gathered to honour veteran playwright and cultural pioneer Sol “Solrah” Rachilo, celebrating a life devoted to the arts while he can still share in the tribute…
By Jabu Kumalo
It was a joyful and colourful celebration at Diepkloof Hall in Soweto last Sunday as artists, admirers and community members gathered to honour legendary arts pioneer Ntate Sol “Solrah” Rachilo on his 94th birthday.
Opening the event, Siphiwe Msimango Foundation chairman Shimane Mashigo said the organisation believed in celebrating people while they are still alive. “We do not wait until a person passes away and then rush to join the programme to speak about them,” he told the audience.
Speakers, most of them legends and veterans in the arts community who were mentored by the playwright, actor, author, publisher and businessman affectionately known as Bra Sol, showered praises and thanked him for the kind of person he was.
The president of the SMF, Siphiwe Msimango, echoing Mashigo’s words, said: “Today is Bra Sol’s memorial service while he is still alive. We are going to talk to him and about him while he can still hear us. We do not like to celebrate people when they can no longer hear us.”
Veteran actor, playwright and voice coach, Motshabi Tyelele, told the audience how in her youth she was inspired by Bra Sol: “I shifted everything so that I can be here. Bra Sol has written good books, not what is written today. These books (that are written today) do not nourish us. People just write.
Thankless service
“We should ask ourselves who paved the way for us. We thank life for Bra Sol’s life. But how many of us go to him for wisdom? We don’t ask these elders about life. Let’s encourage our children to read his books. His mind is still sharp by the way. Use him. Let’s use him as much as we can. We also thank Malume Siphiwe for his thankless service. We must keep on thanking him. I respect him (Siphiwe Msimango).”
Sitting on stage and cutting a dignified, regal poise, the celebrant listened quietly to tributes while flanked by his two sons, Nkosinathi (22) and Banele Nkabinde (20). On his extreme left was Gogo Goitsiman Ndube. For his part, Bra Sol looked elegant in his brownish/yellow scotch jacket with matching pants. The music, very soothing and melodiously fitting to the occasion, was rendered by the Philadelphia Choir. made up mostly of blind and partially blind youngsters.
Legendary actor in his own right, Owen Sejake, said though he had a tight schedule, he could not miss Bra Sol’s birthday: “I used to see him in magazines when I was still young. Bra Sol, the giant. When I look at you, I see all the things we imbued. I wanted to see you in the flesh. And here I am. We are not going to give up on you bra Sol. Thank you.”
Top photographer, Siphiwe Mhlambi, who was “hijacked” to the podium like many in the audience by Malume Siphiwe to say a few words, said: “The image that I have of Bra Sol was taken with an expired one film I had. I wanted to bring him back to his old self. He is still alive. Connect with him. Listen to his wisdom. Talk to him. I am glad I was able to get that image.”
The illustrious career of Ntate Sol, from Mapetla, Soweto, spans more than six decades. He came into the arts fraternity almost by default. He had just completed his Social Work education at the Jan Hofmeyer Institute, when he was enticed by an actor-friend, Ken Gampu, to join him for auditions in Athol Fugard’s play called “No Good Friday”. The stars smiled at him from the word go as he stole the hearts of many with his brilliant acting both on stage and film. The arts industry became his permanent home and refuge until this day. He is one cookie who refuses to crumble and retire. He is still active in writing and helping those who need his help. Visual artist and activist in the arts industry, Belinda Hlaka, had this to say about her mentor: “My journey with bra Sol started at Dorkay House. Everybody went there. I travelled from Kagiso. I met giants there.
“We thought when we get freedom, the arts leaders would be in the government to lead in this department. But it was not to be. He (Bra Sol) had a piano. He taught me how to play the piano. He taught us British English. Those who own facilities wanted bra Sol to get out, to be erased from history. He had ideas that could be used by government departments.
“We fought so that you can get a place. I remember I was once called at midnight and told that bra Sol had died. He had fainted in my office. There’s something wrong with people who are managing the arts. They have no background in art. We are always bound by bylaws. It can’t be! Mobilise for our community centres to be used by our people for free!” Speaking about Hlaka, Malume Siphiwe said: “This lady fought tooth and nail so that bra Sol can have an office.”
On the day, some who have contributed in their communities and the country at large, were awarded with Certificates of Appreciation by the Siphiwe Msimango Foundation. One of the recipients, Lucas Bodibe, said: “I’m pleading with you artists to approach Minister Gayton Mackenzie to erect an effigy of Bra So, like the one of Kippie Moeketsi outside the Market Theatre. Please. This would make sure that Bra Sol is not forgotten.”
‘Marrying sports and culture’
Called upon to say a few words about their father, Bra Sol’s shy sons said they were grateful that he had lived this long so that he could see the fruit of their upbringing. The young one, Banele, said: “I know very little about him since I didn’t stay with him. I’m grateful to God for giving him so many years.”
His brother, Nkosinathi simply said: “I thank God. This is a blessing. I’m now 22 years old. There were times when it was difficult. I’m happy he is still alive. We spent some years in KZN far from him, hence we know so little about him.”
Mabutho “Kid” Sithole, a veteran of the stage and film, decried the state of affairs in the arts industry. He said when he received an invitation to honour Bra Sol, he had mixed feelings because of the way Ntate Rachilo and those in the creative industry were generally treated: “When I received this invitation I said “what a pity”. I had mixed feelings when I thought about Bra Sol. I’m grateful for the likes of SMF for having a conscience. It is good that there are still people who have a conscience. This sector is a dream deferred. It’s unfortunate that sports and arts have been grouped together in the same department.”
Sithole, who vehemently denounced the marrying of sport and culture, felt it was an injustice that they were lumped together as it did not make sense to him. It was an unfair state of affairs.
When the time for reply came, the birthday boy had very few words to say: “Thank you. There is an English saying that goes thus – “good things come to those who wait.”
He later told the audience that he had written a book called Nostalgic Waves from Soweto. “It is now distributed in China. They are going to make a million copies.”
