Kani lost his left eye during a beating by South African police after returning home from a Broadway production of "Sizwe Banzi Is Dead", which was critical of Apartheid. He survived after being left for dead and subsequently won a 1975 Tony Award for his performance.
Won Broadway's 1975 Tony Award, along with his co-star Winston Ntshona, as Best
Actor (Dramatic) for "Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island." Was also
nominated with Ntshona and Athol Fugard as co-authors in the Best Play
nomination for the same production.
He and Winston Ntshona were awarded the 1975 Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award for Best Actor for "Sizwe Banzi is Dead & the Island," on Broadway in New York City.
Winston Ntshona, Athol Fugard and his play, "Size Banzi Is Dead & The Island," on Broadway in New York City was nominated for a 1975 Antoinette Perry (Tony) Award for Best Play.