That's why I was deeply hurt by his death. I asked myself what's happening to me. I mean my pillars of strength have gone. - Thembi Mtshali

I think I have done about five productions with Janis. Mannie was saying – ‘this is my last new production at the Baxter’. [Manim retires as Baxter director at the end of the year]. And I said I am glad – because I did my first play with you when you were running the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.

I was not aware of the impact of it at the time. To me, I just thought, well it is one of those films that will end up being screened in little places, at political rallies. I did not really think that it was going to be big. I was very, very proud at the end. I remember being invited to a women's conference called "Malibongwe" in Amsterdam, which was organized by the ANC women, and it was at the same time the release of Mapantsula. It was a huge thing. I thought, "Oh my, I am in Hollywood or something.

My employers used to say – ‘oh Thembi you have such a beautiful voice’