'He complained about work for the longest of time' — Mpho Molepo at Patrick Ndlovu's memorial service

Family, friends and industry colleagues of Patrick Ndlovu gathered at the Market Theatre on Monday to commemorate his life.

The legendary actor died of natural causes on Tuesday, May 30.

At his memorial service, a choir sang between speeches by close friends reminiscing on time spent with him, Zimbabwean-born artist Lebani “Rasta” Sirenje painted a portrait of the actor on stage, and the ceremony was opened up with the national anthem.

He was remembered as a hard worker who had style and was full of laughter. But his tribute was also a proclamation of how veteran thespians were deprived of opportunities.

Throughout his acting career spanning more than four decades, Patrick starred in Sarafina!, The Power Of One and A Dry White Season, Zone 14, Yizo Yizo and was also known for his stint on etv's Durban Gen. 

Mpho Molepo spoke of his first encounter with the actor in 2005, recalling how they became close friends and worked together.

He went on to emphasise the importance of affording veterans in the entertainment industry opportunities while they are still alive.

“The one thing he kept on complaining about — and this is my plea to the industry, theatre houses and production houses — please include our parents in your stories. Bra Pat was not working for a long time ... He complained about work for the longest of time.

“It's not like they are retired, it's you the industry that retires them.”

Veteran filmmaker Angus Gibson gushed about Patrick's talent to drive a show and said he wished to have seen him more on screen.

“My dream was to make a show where we can put Patrick at the heart again,” he said. 

“I know of many actors that are incredibly talented and I think damn, they don't get the opportunity and I'm really sorry Patrick didn't have a last great role. Perhaps as a warm father, teacher or whatever ... I'm sure he could play anything.” 

Sello Maake KaNcube, who was MC at the ceremony, echoed the same words, saying there was an underlying issue in the entertainment industry that needed fixing. 

“If I was not producing the plays that I acted in after 2010, I wouldn't have been on stage. 2017 was the last time I was on stage in the theatre and up until this year that I produced another thing ... that's why I am saying to you that there is something that is very wrong going on in the industry, and yes, we are being retired before we can retire.”

Watch the full memorial below: