Mbongeni Ngema passes away
Tributes are pouring in as more South Africans learn of the passing of Mbongeni Ngema, a renowned theatre director and playwright, died tragically in a car accident on Wednesday, December 27.
Ngema (69) was a towering figure in South African performing arts, best known for writing and directing the internationally acclaimed musical “Sarafina!”
Set in Soweto during the apartheid era, “Sarafina!” portrayed the experiences of South African students fighting for freedom. The musical brought Ngema global fame when it premiered on Broadway in 1988, earning five Tony award nominations.
Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa has this to say: “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.”
Born in Verulam, KwaZulu Natal in 1954, Ngema became involved in theatre as a teenager, joining an amateur performing group.
He went on to study drama at the University of Zululand, honing his skills as an actor, singer, and choreographer. In the late 1970s, he co-founded the music and dance troupe “Amasongolo Esimnyama” which performed traditional Zulu dances and songs with modern, political themes.
Throughout his prolific career, Ngema created over 20 original South African musicals that confronted colonialism and apartheid.
His distinctive, vivid style incorporated Zulu culture, history, music and dance to spotlight social injustice and advocate for human rights.
Some of his most impactful works included “Asinamali!”, “Sarafina 2!”, and “The Zulu”.
Ngema was also the creator and director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1995 Rugby World Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup, both hosted in South Africa.
The Ngema family has requested time to deal with the untimely passing and will share details for memorial services and the funeral in due course.
Mapepeza News Media hereby joins the country in passing our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mbongeni Ngema, may you find healing from this unexpected tragedy. May his soul rest in peace.
Stephen Seakgwe, Mapepeza News Media publisher