Famous people who hailed from Komani

    HERE’s an exercise you can be part of…

    The Rep has taken a look through archives and found the names of some famous people who have been linked to Komani. This is but the start of the list and we’ll be adding more as time goes by, but some of the names may surprise you:

    1. Thandi Qwesha, star of the internationally known SA musical Ipi-Tombi, was born in Komani.
    2. Protea cricketer Darryl Cullinan came from Komani and attended Queen’s College.
    3. The late Glen Dell, the world aeronautics champion who died in a crash on 2013, also came from Komani and attended QC.

      The late Glen Dell Picture: FILE
    4. Todd Matshikiza, a noted writer, painist and composer who composed the hit musical King Kong, which reached London’s West End in 1959, came from Komani. His son, John, became a stage, television and film actor in Britian.
    5. M.T. Soga, a local teacher, formed the African Women’s Council and served as president of the national body.
    6. Ernest Galpin, a self-taught botanist’s whose work resulted in over 200 previously unidentified species being identified, did most of his research in Komani and donated his collection to government in 1892.
    7. Former SA ambassador to Israel Charles Fincham was born on a farm near Imvani.
    8. Renowned pianist Bruce Gardiner was born in Komani.
    9. Margaret Singana (originally Margaret  M’cingana) – the famous singer who counted ‘We are growing’ from the Shaka Zulu soundtrack and The Warrior among her best known songs – was born in Komani.

      Margaret Singani Picture: TIMESMEDIA
    10. Former England cricket captain, who matriculated from QC, Tony Greig, would become the first England player to score 3 000 runs and take 100 wickets in test cricket. – Information from Queenstown 1824-1994 by E.W. Holliday.                                           If you would like to add to the list as we plan future instalments, send the details to sonjar@tisoblackstar.co.za. 

    LEAVE A REPLY