The present Doodle celebrates the 80th birthday celebration of Nomhle Nkonyeni, a Black South African entertainer who overcame discrimination to take the stage during apartheid.

Nomhle Nkonyeni was born on this day in 1942 in Aggrey Road, in the city of Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth. Her prominent acting career started as soon as age 19 when she helped to establish the Serpent Players.

This interracial theater troupe’s name was motivated by the abandoned snake pit in which they had to initially perform because of discrimination. Nkonyeni kept on opposing discrimination laws, with the acting group ultimately attracting interracial crowds to see political protest theater.

Almost two decades later, Nkonyeni made history by turning into the first Black entertainer to perform at The CAPAB theater, a significant performing arts center in Cape Town.

She played the lead job in Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, which subtleties the battles of a Black South African lady navigating discriminatory laws. Nkonyeni’s ability became known on the little and enormous screens too, where she held various jobs in television shows and movies like Tsha, Scandal!, Zulu, and Red Dust-her career spanning over five decades.

Nkonyeni additionally devoted her life to engaging the future. She volunteered in as a drama instructor for homeless youth in her extra time and driven youth theater programs in Cape Town.

In 2016, Nkonyeni got a lifetime achievement award from the South African Film and Television Awards for her legacy and effect both on and off the stage.