Seasoned actress and Mbongeni Ngema’s ex-wife Leleti Khumalo has paid tribute to the late celebrated composer, choreographer and playwright.

 
The 68-year-old died on 27 December 2023 on the R61 in a horrific car accident in the Eastern Cape.Despite her untimely death, South Africans have paid tribute to the actor. Taking to Instagram, Leleti Khumalo joined a host of celebrities with a heartfelt tribute.

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The press release reads, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic death of Mbongeni Ngema. He was a pioneer of protest theatre and has left a rich legacy in the theatre world.”“At this sad time, we send our profound condolences to his family and in the tradition of our culture, we would like to give them the space to grieve. May the Lord give them strength as they come to terms with this immense loss.”

Her press release has gained thousands of comments and reactions since it dropped on the internet. Over the years, Mbongeni Ngema has been credited for thrusting a host of seasoned actors into the limelight, including Leleti Khumalo, through his award-winning film Sarafina!.THEIR FAILED RELATIONSHIP
Against her fame, Leleti Khumalo went on to tie the knot with Ngema before calling it quits after 14 years. However, in recent years, she has opened up about her failed marriage, which was marred with alleged abuse.

In one of her interviews with ‘The Close Up’ in 2014, she dived her marital woes, and the video has since resurfaced in the background of Mbongeni Ngema’s untimely death.