SA Legends – Lillian Dube

Guest: Dr Lillian Dube -  South African veteran actress, Social media https://www.instagram.com/lillian.dube/?hl=en   PLOT:  We speak with a seasoned actor, inspirational speaker, grandmother, and feminist in our first SA Legends feature. Someone we all grew up watching on television and who has a lot of clout in the entertainment industry. Lillian Dube was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now a cancer ambassador who inspires cancer patients. This evening, we talk about our careers, fighting cancer, and being grandmothers.   Ms Lillian Dube is a 72-year-old veteran actress with a bubbly personality, renowned for her role as the matriarch and matron Sister Bettina in the health communications drama Soul City. Her work carries a message that mirrors social ills in various communities.She started her acting career in the 1980s and has excelled in capturing the audiences with her many characters – from comedic to serious delivery of the message.In 2007, Dube survived a serious battle with cancer. This escalated her community involvement in raising awareness through ‘Celebrities for Good Causes’, where she galvanises celebrities from the arts, sports and other fields to come together in an effort to draw attention to issues that negatively impact the lives of children, women and youth within communities.Dube has formed strategic alliances with organisations involved in these areas, and celebrity power will be used to champion these causes in a meaningful and sustainable manner, thus making a difference in the lives of South Africans through the active promotion of these good causes and projects.She also established a casting company, Lillian Dube Casting Agency, in Johannesburg. She nurtures the talents of young people and encourages them to chase their dreams.In 2014, Dube was honoured with a Lifetime Achiever Award from the Theatre Guild. She starred in Curl Up and Dye, a theatre production that toured Scotland and Germany in 2009.   In 2007, Dube was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been in remission as of 2008. The cancer returned again in 2015   In 2017, Dube was awarded an honorary doctorate in Drama and Film Production at the Tshwane University of Technology.