The late iconic playwright remembered

Share the Article:

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late South African iconic musician, actor and director Mbongeni Ngema.

The 68-year-old playwright died in a head-on car accident while returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.

Family spokesperson Abbey Makoe confirmed the news of his death on Wednesday night.

Ngema is best known for his award-winning works that include Woza Albert and Sarafina, a film which was co-written by Ngema and starred Hollywood actress Whoopi Goldberg and Leleti Khumalo.

Among his many hit songs is Stimela sase Zola which made him a household name.

Born in 1955 in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, Ngema started his career as a theatre backing guitarist. 

An entertaining artist of note, his work reflected the spirit of resistance during the Westwood’s of apartheid and liberation struggle.

“I am in Durban and heard about this now ,This is so Sad … heartbreaking,” Sipho Hotstix Mabuse tweeted.

I am in Durban and heard about this now ,This is so Sad????????????heartbreaking????

#RIPMbongeniNgema

— Hotstix (@siphohotstix) December 27, 2023

Kwaito group Trompies member-turned-parliamentarian Eugene Mthethwa wrote; “Another creative industry icon has fallen, RIP Mbongeni Ngema, may your cultural struggle live on, you will be remembered Stimela SaseZola.”

Another creative industry icon has fallen, RIP Mbongeni Ngema, may your cultural struggle live on, you will be remembered Stimela SaseZola. @EFFSouthAfrica #EFF pic.twitter.com/f8ubC1PSH0

— Simply Eugene (@EugeneMt) December 27, 2023

Sport, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa said, “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, one of South Africa’s great playwrights, directors, lyricists and composers.

ALSO READ | Joyous Celebration singer Eric Moyo has died

“Dr Ngema’s internationally acclaimed work, from Sarafina to Stimela sase Zola, told distinctly South African stories and experiences.”

I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, one of South Africa’s great playwrights, directors, lyricists and composers. Dr Ngema’s internationally acclaimed work, from Sarafina to Stimela sase Zola, told distinctly South African stories and experiences. pic.twitter.com/adLrJj4mGa

— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) December 27, 2023

Opposition party, the Democratic Alliance also sent its heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of legendary playwright.

????️ | The DA extends its heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of legendary playwright, director, and musician Mbongeni Ngema.

His tragic passing was confirmed in a statement by his family.

The award-winning musical, Sarafina, is one of his many works we’ll forever embrace. ???????? pic.twitter.com/3SzzR3thBI

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) December 27, 2023

The Ngema family announced that further details about the funeral arrangement will be made available in due course.