Former President Jacob Zuma has revealed that the late theatre producer and musician Mbongeni Ngema was working on a project about his life and political journey.
Zuma attended Ngema’s memorial service at the Playhouse, Durban, on Wednesday, following the playwright’s death in a car crash on December 27. He spoke at the event, sharing his thoughts on Ngema’s legacy.
Jacob Zuma Reveals Mbongeni Ngema Was Working On A Production About His Life
Zuma revealed that he and Ngema were set to work on a project about his life as a man from Nkandla. Initially hesitant, Zuma later agreed after Ngema spoke to his sister about the idea.
“He wanted to create a story about my life. We eventually agreed that he could tell my story. Our deal was that we’d meet after Christmas.”
Zuma told mourners about the friendship he had with Ngema:
“Mbongeni was not just a friend, a comrade who fought for freedom with all his might. This man was prominent worldwide in a way that educated the youth through storytelling and song. What hurts me the most is he left without me saying goodbye because we were yet to meet soon to talk about the things we would talk about when we would meet. We’ll never forget this man. He fought for freedom in many ways.”
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Finding Out About The Tragic News
Jacob Zuma also spoke about the shock of learning about Ngema’s passing:
“When I was told that he had passed, I thought it was a joke. I thought he’d never die; he’d live forever because of the way he was. It’s shocking that we are here to say goodbye. When I heard, I asked myself, ‘why not us who are old?’ What shall become of us with Mbongeni no longer with us?”
“He was a man amongst men. We have truly lost a great talent. He told a story through song in such a way that you would know it word by word and never forget it. I was very lucky because I knew him at an early stage. He fought for freedom and was able to pass the message of how we were oppressed.”