Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu/Mthabisi Tshuma
THE city of Bulawayo was struck by heart-breaking news on Monday when, Sihlangu Dlodlo (60), the revered chief executive officer of Highlanders Football Club and a veteran arts administrator and playwright, was found dead at his home in Nketa 9.
Dlodlo’s body was found after close friends, including Allan “Ripper” Mpofu, forced entry into his residence, after not seeing him since Saturday.
His passing has sent shockwaves through both the football and arts communities, prompting many to reflect on the indelible mark he left in both arenas.
A celebrated director and playwright, Dlodlo excelled in various fields, blending his passion for football with his love for the arts. His involvement in theatre dates back to 1970 when he was just six years old. He began rehearsing for plays at Emhlangeni Youth Centre in Makokoba, inspired by a man he identified as Samuel Ndhlovu.
Dlodlo participated in school plays and later joined Amakhosi Cultural Centre, where he made significant contributions. He was instrumental in establishing the centre as a powerhouse of creativity in the 1990s. His innovative strategies and commitment to nurturing emerging talent left a lasting impact on the Zimbabwean arts scene.
Reflecting on his creative process in an interview with this publication in 2002, Dlodlo shared: “I sit and watch people going about their daily activities. Observing them in their natural state allows stories to formulate in my mind.”
Dlodlo’s contributions to theatre were profound, with numerous artistic achievements, including his acclaimed direction of the ZBC production Hlengiwe Mntanami. His portfolio spans decades, with plays such as Have You Seen Yoyo?, Ntombikayise and None But Ourselves showcasing his exceptional talent and commitment.
He also directed several notable productions, including Cont Mhlanga’s Nansi leNdoda, Children On Fire and Raisedon Baya’s Witnesses and Victims, among others.
Friends and colleagues shared heartfelt memories and insights on his legacy yesterday. Nicholas Moyo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, expressed deep sorrow over Dlodlo’s passing.
“It’s hard to hear of his passing. We used to call him “Ngqe”. I knew him back when I was still a thespian under the Young Actors Writers Union. That was when he left teaching to join Amakhosi. He was smart, resilient and refused to be defeated. He was passionate about the arts, especially theatre. He was an administrator and trained teacher who knew what he was doing,” Moyo said.
“He knew how to deal with situations calmly. He was a man who loved peace and pushed for his ideas. If his idea was rejected, he would retreat and allow the dominant idea to continue. Even if he was passionate, he would come back later to continue the work. We faced challenges at Amakhosi, but he would dust himself off and keep building,” Moyo added.
Dlodlo’s resilience shone through during his tenure at Amakhosi Cultural Centre, where he faced numerous challenges while uplifting the community and nurturing emerging talent. The late playwright Cont Mhlanga, founder of Amakhosi Cultural Centre, credited Dlodlo as a visionary with numerous breakthrough strategies that propelled Amakhosi to prominence on the arts scene in the 1990s.
Styx Mhlanga, brother of the late theatre luminary Cont Mhlanga, remembered Dlodlo as the life of the party and a true friend.
“He was a people person; he hated to see anyone left out. We last chatted last week about attending a show, but he had to decline due to attending two burials, which was unlike him,” Mhlanga said.
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Styx recalled, “I first met Dlodlo in 1981 when I was a Form One student. He was responsible and clever for his age. A memorable moment was during my wedding in 1999 in Lupane. Dlodlo was the MC, but he got delayed taking a neighbour’s child to Solusi Mission. I insisted the wedding wouldn’t start without him and when he finally arrived, he did a splendid job, impressing everyone.”
Raisedon Baya, a renowned arts professional in his own right and one of Dlodlo’s protégés, expressed the profound loss felt by the arts sector and beyond following the legend’s passing.
“Dlodlo did so much for me—not just work-related, but so many personal things that I don’t know where to begin, what to say, or what can be left out. He was that good. I got to know him very well a long time ago, probably when I was in A-Level. After that, he ensured I went to college, covering my interview fees and transport to Harare for interviews. When I came back, I used to write a lot of short stories. Back then, I’d write on paper because computers were just starting to be introduced and they were scarce.
“At Amakhosi, they had computers, so he’d invite me to come in when everyone was about to leave. He would say, ‘I don’t want to type your stories all the time, so you need to learn to type,’ and he taught me how to use computers. We went on to produce several works together, where I wrote and he directed. One of our successful collaborations was Witnesses and Victims, which won multiple awards at Nama,” Baya shared.
Nkululeko Dube, the director of Iyasa and another accomplished artist who worked closely with Dlodlo, said he is still struggling to come to terms with his passing.
“I’m still reeling in shock and grief over the tragic loss of my dear friend and brother, Dlodlo. His sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void in my life and the Iyasa family. Dlodlo was more than just a colleague; he was a mentor, confidante and pillar of strength. As a trusted advisor and member of the Iyasa Trust, he selflessly shared his expertise and resources to elevate our projects.
“His creative genius was evident in Penpals, a production he wrote, produced and directed for Iyasa, featuring the talented Nkwali. His humility, generosity,and unwavering dedication inspired us all. Dlodlo’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, but his absence is deeply felt. Words fail to capture the magnitude of his impact on Iyasa and me personally. Rest in peace, dear brother. Your memory will forever be etched in our hearts,” Dube said.
A deeply affected Saimon Mambazo Phiri expressed his grief, saying, “Still too fresh and too close to home, this one,” in response to the untimely loss.
Lewis Phiri reminisced about Dlodlo as a person full of humour and life, yet strict when it came to work.
“He would direct you with the discipline of a classroom teacher—because he was a trained teacher, Isikhiwa. We’ve truly lost someone special. I remember one time when I wanted to skip school and he gave me a stern talk, even using a cane to make his point. He was tough on matters like that, especially on the importance of education.”
Musician and actress Nkwali took to her Facebook fan page to share her heartfelt tribute to Sihlangu Dlodlo, recalling how he introduced her to the world of theatre and encouraged her throughout her journey.
“Baba, you introduced me to theatre. I didn’t even know what a script was. You gave me a lead role, and when I wanted to give up, you didn’t give up on me,” she wrote.
The impact of Dlodlo’s work extended far beyond personal connections; he was instrumental in nurturing young talent within the arts.
“Many artists, including Nkulumane MP Desire Moyoxide and Madlela Skhobokhobo, are products of his dedication to the sector,” Mhlanga noted, stressing the gaping hole Dlodlo’s absence leaves in the artistic community.
He was also celebrated for his exceptional service in the private sector, which served as evidence that artists can lead and succeed beyond the realm of the arts.
As the city and nation mourn the loss of Sihlangu Dlodlo, it is clear that his legacy will endure. From the football pitch to the stage, he was a beacon of hope, creativity and passion. His friends and colleagues will forever remember him as a man who brought people together, nurtured talent and dedicated his life to the arts and community.
Bulawayo has lost a true stalwart, but his spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
Mourners for the funeral service of the late Dlodlo, are gathered at 310 Mahatshula South, Bulawayo with burial arrangements yet to be shared by the family.
Online Reporter