As Khwalo funeral services we are saddened by the passing of our beloved brother, father, husband and a patriot, Mbongeni Ngema.
Ngema was killed in a head-on car accident whilst returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape this evening. He was a passenger in the vehicle.
Ngema is a renowned playwright, actor, choreographer, composer and singer.
He is best known for his award-winning works that include Sarafina and Woza Albert. Among his many hit songs is Stimela sa se Zola. An entertaining artist of note.
May his soul rest in peace
Musician, composer, choreographer and playwright Mbongeni Ngema has died.
A statement shared by his family confirmed he died on Wednesday evening in a head-on car accident whilst returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.Ngema was 68.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot, Mbongeni Ngema. He was a passenger in the vehicle,” read the statement.
“Ngema is a renowned playwright, actor, choreographer, composer, and singer. He is best known for his award-winning works which include Sarafina and Woza Albert,” read the statement from the family.
Ngema also became a household name for numerous hit songs, including Stimela sa se Zola.
The Ngema family said they were devastated by his passing and said details on his funeral would be shared soon.
In 2018, Ngema expressed joy at knowing that his work would outlive him.
A part of his legacy includes him discovering and mentoring many South African actors who have become household names in the industry.”What frustrates me the most is that young artists don’t want to learn from us who have been in this industry for a while. I remember when I started out I learnt so much from Gibson Kente,” Ngema said at the time.
“I decided to go live at his house to learn how he wrote music and everything about him. I don’t see enough young people wanting to learn. I feel like the thirst to learn is lacking in today’s generation.”