Theatre legend and activist Dawn Lindberg has passed on at the age of 75.
The founder and CEO of the Naledi Theatre Awards succumbed to health complications related to COVID-19 on Monday night.
Lindberg and her husband Des, enjoyed a successful career as musicians and entertainers.
They were famous for many hits including ‘The Seagull’s Name was Nelson’ in 1971, which topped the charts for 20 weeks.
The couple also created the internationally recognised Naledi Theatre Awards, which have honoured over 300 artists and theatre-makers and over 60 others with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
In 1973, the couple also produced the much-talked-about musical, “Godspell’. It was the first multi-racial show to be staged in the country after opening in Maseru, Lesotho.
The Lindbergs were also pioneers in presenting the West End musical, The Black Mikado, in Soweto during difficult political times in South Africa.
File video: Dawn Lindberg is interviewed about the Naledi Theatre Awards:
People pay tribute to Lindberg on Twitter
At Cocky Two Bull’s funeral, so many famous black performers paid tribute to Des and Dawn Lindberg for giving them starts when others wouldn’t in the Old SA. So sad to hear of the passing of Dawn.
— John Robbie (@John_C_Robbie) December 8, 2020
That was such a lovely tribute to #DawnLindberg. Thank you @PeterTerry3 for dedicating a song to our theatre legend sung by #BrynTerfel on @Classic1027SA Today is a sad day indeed. #covid19SA
— Carolyn Steyn (@Carolyn_Steyn) December 8, 2020
Condolences to the family and friends of Des & Dawn Lindberg #RIPDawnLindberg
— Rosita Karating (@Rosita_Karating) December 8, 2020
Losing Dawn Lindberg to COVID19 is the loss of a National Treasure. RIP Dawn. pic.twitter.com/KiCQasR0z3
— Michael Olivier (@manmetdiepan) December 8, 2020
Sad day! My parents played her & Des’s LP’s non-stop in the sixties & seventies. Also a banned LP! Long live! #dawnlindberg https://t.co/wYgFoVVnkO
— Anli Serfontein (@anliserfontein) December 8, 2020
“This land is your land
This land is my land
This land belongs to you and me”
Dawn Lindberg fought apartheid through her passion for music! Rest in peace!— pingla udit (@pingla_udit) December 8, 2020
Additional reporting by Sarel Mentjies.