Amakhosi Cultural Centre was founded by the late Cont Mdladla
Mhlanga. He was an award-winning playwright, a cultural icon,
mentor, an activist and visionary who pioneered some of the most
transformative models of arts management in Zimbabwe. Through his
bold guidance, Amakhosi transformed into one of Africa’s most
influential grassroots arts institutions. Driven by the belief
that art should be a voice for the voiceless, he pioneered fusing
traditional storytelling with theatre, television, radio and film.
He authored over 20 groundbreaking plays which include the
internationally acclaimed Nansi le Ndoda, Workshop Nagative,
Stitsha and the winner of the Freedom to Create Prize, The Good
President. Mhlanga produced some of Zimbabwe’s iconic television
drama’s such as Amakorokoza and Sinjalo and dedicated his life to
mentoring generations of Zimbabwean creatives.
His work turned Makokoba into a global hub for community driven
performing arts, cementing his legacy as a titan of African
culture. His most notable awards include the Civic Honours Award
by the City of Bulawayo in 2002 where he was recognized for his
transformative contribution to theatrical arts and putting the
City of Bulawayo on the global cultural map. He was also awarded
the Inaugural Freedom to Create Prize in 2008, where he was
selected form nearly 1000 entries across 86 countries for his
courageous political Satire The Good President and his commitment
to human rights through art. In 2025 he was conferred with the
Prince Clause Fund along with Amakhosi for outstanding
achievements in the field of culture and social development. He
was also Honoured at the Zimbabwe Arts Festival and Television
Awards for his monumental, enduring impact on Zimbabwean film,
theatre and television.
He passed on the baton when laid to rest on the 1st of August
2022. May his soul continue to rest in peace. Lala ngokuthula
qhawe!
