The passing of an iconic theatre producer who created a safe space for playwrights Zodwa Shongwe mourned

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

If you worked in theatre there is no way you could not have crossed paths with Zodwa Shongwe. One of the longest serving theatre producers, whom some will remember from her Windybrow Centre of the Arts days and in the past years as producer of the Market Theatre, Shongwe dedicated her life to the theatre community. 

Always ever approachable, many a playwright, or an independent producer or actor have worked with this gentle soul, and without a doubt must have noticed her warm-natured demeanour.

I personally have crossed paths with Shongwe several times, first at Windybrow and later at Market Theatre after Windybrow Centre of the Arts was mothballed and incorporated into the Market Theatre Foundation as one of its business units. As a journalist, I struggle to remember one incident in the past 25 years that i have worked as an arts journalist when Zodwa did not exude warmth in our interaction professionally or casually when we would bump at each other in places of relaxation such as at Niki’s Oasis where we would share one drink or so.

But Shongwe respected her work to the extent that even long after working hours, she gave an impression that she would not want to drink in full view of the public passing the establishment and rather would sit in the courtyard at the back of the restaurant instead of at the front where you would find her enjoying her beverage.

In our interaction, even when i would have written a story that did not reflect positively on the institution that she worked for, for example Windybrow in the 2000s when it faced governance challenges, and some of us had to write about what was going wrong, and why the turbulence that once affected this  Hillbrow based iconic institution was not good for the theatre community, she never showed any resentment towards me for the stories that i wrote.

At least not openly. Zodwa clearly came from a space, an understanding that journalists, just like theatre practitioners like her, have a job to do. Sometimes our job makes those people affected by our stories uncomfortable. That understanding cannot be taken for granted because in my long career practising arts journalism, I personally have faced hostile reception from some people in the sector, some of it public display of hostility for some stories I have written from those it made uncomfortable. But never from Zodwa.

She was certainly a different breed of a theatre professional.

I therefore clearly understand why the creative and cultural sector is in mourning, and genuenely mourning the death of a gentle spirit. This is not to say that Zodwa was perfect. She was not and many will perhaps point rightly to her weak points in her long career in theatre management. However whatever mistakes she has made are less than the good things she did for theatre in the country. 

“The Market Theatre Foundation mourns the passing of Zodwa ShongweIt is with the heaviest of hearts that The Market Theatre Foundation announces the passing of Zodwa Shongwe, who, until her final breath, was our exceptional Producer.Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues and the artistic community on whose hearts she has left an indelible mark.Throughout her years with us, Zodwa set herself apart as an administrator par excellence, possessing the unique ability to balance artistry and industry. With her meticulous project management skills, she was the trusted engine of our artistic programming, ensuring compliance, monitoring progress and evaluating results.

Not one to seek the spotlight, she contributed immensely to keeping our lights on, executing her behind-the-scenes task with enthusiasm and faithfulness like the whole world was watching. But we at The Market Theatre Foundation will remember Zodwa as more than just an outstanding producer and leading woman in the arts. To all of us, she will remain the warmest and kindest person to have known; an accessible friend and mentor with a sharp sense of humour.

With an unmissable presence that effortlessly created a safe space for all of us to be ourselves, she lived and breathed The Market Theatre Foundation’s core values.

May the soul of Zodwa Shongwe rest in the peace she afforded us all in her living days. And may her loved ones find healing and comfort in these unimaginably dark times,” statement from her employer the Market Theatre Foundation reads. No further details were given surrounding the circumstances of her death. Zodwa passed on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. CITYLIFE/ARTS however understands that she had been unwell, off sick for some time in the last few months.

Meantime social media is abuzz with messages of condolence from the creative sector