The creator of the iconic Sarafina! Mbongeni Ngema will be remembered at a memorial service and laid to rest on the coming Wednesday at the Durban Playhouse in KwaZulu Natal.
His family made this announcement following his tragic passing on Wednesday, a result of a collision between the car he was travelling in and a truck while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. Ngema succumbed to his injuries at the Adelaide and OR Tambo Memorial Hospital in Mbizana.
Details of the Funeral
Family spokesperson Nhlanhla Ngema conveyed that the legendary playwright and musician’s funeral will take place on 5 January in his home province of KZN. Details about the funeral venue and the timing of the memorial service will be shared in due course.
Nhlanhla expressed gratitude to the public and media for the overwhelming support and continuous coverage since Dr. Ngema’s sudden passing. Recognizing that Ngema belonged to the family and all of South Africa and the international community, he emphasized the communal nature of their loss.
Tributes Pour In For the Actor
KZN-based artists and Minister of Sports and Culture Zizi Kodwa paid a visit to Ngema’s family in Durban, expressing the significance of honouring Ngema with a fitting funeral. Kodwa reflected on Ngema’s global impact, using theatre as a tool to dismantle apartheid.
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Actor Sello Maake ka Ncube also emotionally paid tribute, quoting two poems to encapsulate his feelings on Ngema’s passing. The arts community mourns the loss of a global icon. Many other artists including his ex-wife Leleti Khumalo. Somizi Mhlongo and many more also send their condolence messages to the actor.