George Pemba

(1912 -2001) George Mnyaluza Pemba (also documented as Mnyala, Milwa),South African artist and playwright. He was born on 2 April 1912 in Hillskraal, Korsten Village, Port Elizabeth and died in 2001.

Career as a painter

Having received rudimentary training as painter from his brother, he later received several bursaries. he went on to exhibited from 1928-1987, winning various awards, receiving a number of commissions, and several honorary degrees from the Universities of Fort Hare, Zululand and Bophuthatswana.

He however managed to make a good living out of his art, despite indifference from the mainstream art world.

As writer and playwright

Pemba was also a good writer and wrote two plays, one of them being the well-known Nonqause. He later produced paintings to illustrate the play.

Sources

Sack, S. (1988). The Neglected Tradition, Johannesburg: Johannesburg Art Gallery

SAHO Milwa Mnyaluza "George" Pemba[1]

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