CUT’s Faculty of Humanities, in partnership with the Khotso Nkhatho Foundation, paid tribute to the living legend and CUT alumni, Dr Khotso Nkhatho, for his outstanding contributions to the creative arts fraternity at the Inaugural Khotso Nkhatho Public Lecture held at Welkom Campus on 16 November 2022.

The annual prestigious event is envisioned to stimulate and promote intellectual discourses where acclaimed speakers of repute in their respective fields of expertise will be invited to engage the university and its partners on national, topical issues in media, theatre, film and other art forms. 

Dr Khotso Nkhatho contributed immensely to the conservation and development of Sesotho in the Free State at a time when indigenous languages were not recognised as media of instruction in a multilingual South African society.

When paying tribute to Dr Nkhatho, Prof. Makola, Welkom Campus Director, sang praises for the legend and applauded him for the outstanding contributions he has made in developing, preserving and promoting the Free State Province’s heritage and building a legacy for future creative arts generations. “We are here to celebrate the life of one of our alumni, whose work has touched the lives of many people in our communities. This is an opportunity for us to draw a wealth of knowledge and lessons from the experiences that shaped him as an artist over the years. This is a prestigious occasion in the history of our university, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dr Khotso Nkhatho Foundation for partnering with the Faculty of Humanities to host this lecture at the Welkom Campus.”

Prof. Makola further highlighted that Dr Nkhatho is a living example of what the university aspires to achieve for CUT graduates. “As one of our alumni and an artist of note, you are an iconic figure who has inspired millions of your fans with the legacy of the larger-than-life characters you portray through your work. Your signature voice, NGAKA E MABATHA, is recognised everywhere. You let us reflect, think, and ponder.”

“Over the years, through radio or television, your artistic work has allowed us to enter the lives of characters you portrayed as if they were part of our lives.  Mopheme is amongst many of your pieces that continue to dazzle and inspire us to believe in your craft. Hollywood is synonymous with eminent, reputed, and legendary names in the world of cinema, whose very lives revolve around the silver screen. But here at home, we have you! We are honoured to add an alumnus who is a giant on the silver screen,” he concluded.

Dr Nkhatho is a South African award-winning renowned actor, author, scriptwriter, producer and director, known for his leading role, Mopheme, in the TV 3 series Mopheme. In 2020, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Communication and Language Practice at the Virtual Graduation Ceremony.

Caption

It is a day to remember at the CUT Welkom Campus for hosting a legendary South African Award-winning renowned actor, author, scriptwriter, producer and director, known for his leading role, Mopheme, in TV 3 series Mopheme. From left: Cllr Matthew Rantso, CUT Chairperson of Council, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr Khotso Nthatho, legendary CUT Alumnus, Prof. Solomon Makola, Welkom Campus Director and Mr Mandla Mbusi, SABC Regional Operations Manager.