Founder and CEO of the Naledi Theatre Awards Dawn Lindberg, who died on Monday night due to a Covid-19-related illness, spent her last days working on next year’s edition of the awards.

Lindberg, 75, regarded as the pillar of the SA theatre fraternity, was compiling a list of legends to be honoured and an in-memoriam page for fallen artists, not knowing that she would be part of it.

The theatre industry paid tribute to Lindberg for her contribution to the development of the industry. She was the first person to stage a multiracial theatre production when it was not allowed, and was instrumental in the formation of an SA theatre managers' and producers' organisation that brought the industry together.

Lindberg, who hosted the 16th edition of the Naledi Theatre Awards in September, died at the Plettenberg Bay hospital in Cape Town, according to awards chairperson Kgomotso Christopher.

She founded the awards with her husband, Des Lindberg, in 2004. She is survived by her husband, two sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Christopher, who defined Lindberg as a passionate and hard-working woman, said her sudden death was unexpected because she had been extremely healthy and in good shape.

“As the Naledi family and her family, we are devastated because she was full of life. After she tested positive, she got sick fast but she was still communicating with us. She was not gravely ill and was quite strong and hoping she would pull through," he said.

 “Dawn always started to work on the next edition of the Naledi Theatre Awards after the event. Even this time she had already begun. The Naledis were the closest thing to her, and in the last days of her life, the Naledi Theatre Awards were in her mind. She had many dreams for our industry and for the Naledis.”

South African State Theatre artistic director Aubrey Sekhabi said Lindberg had been one of the driving forces behind the development of theatre in SA. Sekhabi said the theatre was supposed to have hosted Lindberg last week for a celebration of award winners this year at the institution.

“We invited her on Sunday last week and we got a call that she was not well from her husband, Des. We did not think that it was something serious. We communicated with her and she even did a video that we played.  It is sad day in the history of SA theatre. Dawn played a huge role in terms of development and she made sure that the concept of the Naledi worked out, together with her husband. Sometimes they hosted the awards from their own pocket.”

Market Theatre artistic director James Ngcobo said: “A feisty, fearless fighter for our sector. That is who Dawn Lindberg was. I heard about her passing this morning – a very sad and difficult year we have just gone through. She has carved an amazing space for herself in our industry.

The Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg said: “Theatre on the Square is shocked and saddened by the devastating and unexpected news of the untimely passing of amazing theatre icon Dawn Lindberg. She will be a huge loss to the industry and will be remembered for many productions and concerts at the theatre – and her presence at opening nights with Des, always at her side. Heartfelt condolences to dear Des and cherished memories of their wonderful partnership.”