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By Kedibone Modise 
14h ago
Theater legend Dawn Lindberg has gone from complications related to Covid-19.
Lindberg, 75, passed away at Plettenberg Bay Hospital on December 7.
Lindberg was the CEO and founder of the Naledi Theater Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious theater awards in South Africa.
On Tuesday, Chris Avant-Smith, spokesperson for the Naledi Awards, confirmed the news of her death on Jane Dutton’s morning show on eNCA.
He said: “Unfortunately, Dawn passed away last night from a Covid-related illness.
“The family is devastated … Being half of the phenomenon Des & Dawn Lindberg, her husband Des is still in Plett (Plettenberg Bay) and we are very sad for him because he could not see her towards the end.
With a career spanning over five decades as a singer, actress, and theater director, Lindberg began her career after graduating in Fine Arts from Wits University in the early 1960s.
In 1962, she met her husband and longtime partner in music and theater, Des, and they formed the folk duo Des & Dawn.
After they were married in 1965, they bought a caravan and hit the road for three years, singing in cities from Bredasdorp, Wakkerstroom, and Messina to Bulawayo and Salisbury in Rhodesia.
Through their music, the couple spoke out against the apartheid regime.
His first album, People on Trek, was banned for impropriety due to dubious lyrics from the nursery rhyme, Mary had a little lamb, and the spiritual black, Dese Bones Gonna Rise Again.
Despite their efforts to appeal, they lost the case and all copies of the album were destroyed.
In 1973, they produced the musical, Spell of god, the first multiracial show to take place in South Africa.
Reflecting on Lindberg’s legacy as a theater practitioner, Avant-Smith said: “Dawn Lindberg was a force of nature, she was truly an amazing person and very goal oriented. Together with Des, they were activists against apartheid, especially in the theater, and long ago with their production. Spell of god, they managed to integrate the artists on stage, which was amazing.
“And later, he founded Naledi Theater Wards, due to his pure passion for South African theater.
“Over the past 18 years, it has become the most prestigious and sought-after award you can win as an artist in South Africa. His last broadcast was at the South African State Theater, where he was to deliver the Naledi Prize trophies that went to musicals and plays, both won by Xova Y Angola Camp 13. The key to Naledis is that we seek excellence in theater ”.
Lindberg’s theatrical achievements included leading roles in I’m doing my act togetherr, Taking it to the road Y The monologues of the vagina. He went on to produce some of the best productions in South African theater, including Spell of god, The shrew, The Black Mikado, Gloo Joo, Best whorehouse in Texas Y Lennon.
The tributes have been pouring into social media since the news of Lindburg’s death broke.
Producer and television host Alan Ford paid tribute to Lindberg. Ford also took the opportunity to urge South Africa not to let its guard down as Covid-19 was still there.
He wrote on Facebook: “My beautiful friend, I can’t believe you passed away, I spoke to you last week! You are a legend in the arts and your contribution to our industry was invaluable! I will miss you but I will always love you! To Des, Josh, Adam, Zee and all the families, my condolences- MHDSRIP 😭 We love you Dawn Lindberg – Dance and sing with the angels. Please everyone, Covid is real, and we’ve lost someone else because of it! “
On behalf of Theater on the Square, Daphne Kuhn wrote: “It will be a great loss to the industry and will be remembered for many productions and concerts in the theater, and her presence on opening nights with Des, always by her side.
“Our condolences to dear Des and the cherished memories of their wonderful partnership. We send our affection to Des, Josh, Adam and their families. We wish them courage, strength and comfort in this time of grief. Our deepest condolences by Daphne Kuhn and all the Theater on the Square staff. “
Mandi Strimling wrote: “My dearest Dawn, I am sitting in a pool of tears, completely heartbroken by the news of your tragic death. I know I am not alone in this. I can feel the pain of our entire industry, we are all a tight-knit community of friends, and this is a loss that we all share immensely.
“His work in this industry, the legacy of his accomplishments over 50 years, the heart and soul that he puts into the Naledi Awards every year without fail, will live forever, in our hearts and minds. And it will continue, touching generations to come.
“It’s so hard to imagine this industry, this world, without you in it, Dawn. You walked this life so lightly, effortlessly, spreading joy wherever you went. You taught us all the best lesson: live, laugh, sing out loud. and love; fully and without limits. I will love you and miss you forever. “
Bridget Masinga of Radio wrote: “It is devastating to hear the passing of Dawn Lindberg, founder of the Naledi Awards. Sending condolences to her husband, family, Josh and Zuraida and their loving grandchildren. “
Lindberg is survived by her two sons, Joshua and Adam Lindberg, her husband Des, and their grandchildren.
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