Clevenard to Honour Aubrey W. Sekhabi at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition and Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition in Alicante, Spain

Alicante, Spain — Clevenard SL is delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed South African theatre icon Aubrey W. Sekhabi will receive a Prestigious Honorary Award at the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition, taking place from 27–30 August 2026 at the Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Spain.

The distinguished honour will be presented on Day 4 – Sunday, 30 August 2026, during the Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition 2026, the flagship awards ceremony of the Clevenard Open Project, held alongside the spectacular International Fashion Runway. The ceremony recognises visionary leaders, innovators, creatives, and changemakers whose remarkable contributions have shaped industries, empowered communities, and inspired generations across the globe.

Beyond receiving this prestigious distinction, Aubrey W. Sekhabi will deliver a highly anticipated keynote address, sharing insights drawn from more than four decades of transformative leadership in theatre, culture, and creative development.

Aubrey W. Sekhabi

Award-Winning Playwright | Director | Artistic Director | Servant Leader

Aubrey W. Sekhabi stands among South Africa's most influential theatre practitioners and cultural visionaries. As Artistic Director of the South African State Theatre, he has devoted his career to advancing African storytelling, nurturing emerging talent, and positioning theatre as a powerful instrument for education, social transformation, and nation-building.

Holding a Master of Arts (Cum Laude) in Dramatic Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, Sekhabi has become one of Africa's most respected creative leaders, with an enduring legacy that continues to influence generations of artists.

A Distinguished Career of Excellence

Sekhabi began his writing journey with Back to School (1985), followed by Save the People (1986). In 1992, he founded GBR Productions, producing acclaimed works including Silent Voice and Roadhouse.

At only 24 years old, he became Resident Director of the Bophuthatswana Arts Council, before being appointed Artistic Director of the North-West Arts Drama Company, where he spent eight years producing acclaimed theatre while mentoring numerous performers who later became leading figures in television, film, and stage.

Transforming the South African State Theatre

Since assuming leadership of the South African State Theatre in 2002, Sekhabi has led one of Africa's premier cultural institutions through remarkable growth and innovation.

His visionary initiatives include:

• Establishment of the EYCT Department
• Creation of the 52 Seasons Mentor-Protégé Programme
• Founder of the Basha Festival (now Youth Expressions Festival)
• Founder of the Mzansi Fela Festival
• Founder of Kucheza Afrika Festival
• Founder of the Vavasati International Festival
• Expansion of youth and community theatre development across South Africa

Under his leadership, the South African State Theatre has achieved extraordinary milestones:

• 1,652 productions staged
• 13,169 employment opportunities created
• 333 artists supported
• 153 community theatre groups developed
• More than 3 million audience members reached

Sekhabi also spearheaded the launch of SAST TV, extending the reach of South African theatre to audiences across Africa and around the world.

An Extraordinary Body of Creative Work

His celebrated productions include:

• Back to School (1985)
• Save the People (1986)
• Strong Hold (1990)
• Silent Voice (1992)
• Roadhouse (1992)
• Mika (1993–1994)
• Scomearound (1993)
• Nkonyeni High (1995)
• On My Birthday (1995)
• Homegirls (1996)
• Not With My Gun (1997)
• The Stick (1999)
• Interracial (2007)
• Mantolo: The 10th Step (2008–2009)
• Kalushi – The Story of Solomon Mahlangu (2010)
• Rivonia Trial (2010)
• Rhetorical (2012)
• Hungry (2014)
• Marikana – The Musical (2014)
• Freedom – The Musical (2018)
• Kwanele (2019)
• Mother of Freedom (2021)

His television achievements include serving as co-writer of Orlando, writer on Mponeng, and creator, writer, and Executive Producer of Hillside.

Recognition and Lasting Legacy

Throughout his distinguished career, Sekhabi has received more than 60 award nominations, including recognition through the FNB Vita Awards, Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, and multiple Naledi Theatre Awards for productions including Rivonia Trial, Marikana – The Musical, and Freedom – The Musical.

His enduring commitment to artistic excellence, cultural preservation, leadership, and talent development has positioned him among Africa's most respected cultural ambassadors.

His recognition by Clevenard celebrates not only an extraordinary artistic career but also a lifelong dedication to empowering communities through creativity, education, and visionary leadership.

About the Clevenard Open Project 2026 – 5th Edition

The Clevenard Open Project 2026 is Clevenard's flagship international forum held under the theme:

"A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection."

The four-day global gathering brings together policymakers, diplomats, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, academics, tourism professionals, and cultural ambassadors from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond to foster strategic partnerships, innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

Event Highlights

• Day 1 – 27 August 2026

Global Authors' Recognition

Education Summit

• Day 2 – 28 August 2026

Global Economy & Trade Summit

Solid Minerals Forum

Agriculture & Investment Summit

• Day 3 – 29 August 2026

Global Tourism Summit

International Film Celebration

• Day 4 – 30 August 2026

Clevenard Global Awards – 3rd Edition

International Fashion Runway

Event Details

• Dates: 27–30 August 2026
• Venue: Palacio de Congresos Alicante, Avinguda de Dénia 47–49, 03013 Alicante, Spain

Media & General Enquiries

• Clevenard SL
• Telephone: +34 631 279 811, +34 672 931 216
• Website: www.clevenard.com
• Organiser: Clevenard SL
• NIF: B75809574

About Clevenard

Clevenard is a global platform connecting people, cultures, businesses, and opportunities across continents. Through media, technology, international events, and strategic partnerships, Clevenard creates meaningful connections that drive cultural exchange, economic empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development worldwide.

Mission: To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811