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South Africa: Special Provincial Official Funeral for Dr Ngema
SAnews.gov.za, 2 January 2024
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for granting the legendary and internationally acclaimed playwright, composer,… Read more »
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South Africa: Tributes Continue to Pour in for Dr Ngema
SAnews.gov.za, 29 December 2023
Tributes for cultural stalwart, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, who passed away in a car accident this week, continue to pour in. Read more »
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South Africa: Sarafina! Creator Mbongeni Ngema Dies in Car Accident
allAfrica, 28 December 2023
South Africa mourns the loss of cultural icon Mbongeni Ngema, who passed away tragically in a car accident. Read more »
Sarafina! Creator Mbongeni Ngema Dies in Car Accident
Mbongeni Ngema, the acclaimed South African playwright behind the iconic musical Sarafina! has passed away at 68. He was a passenger in a car involved in a head-on collision.
Ngema wrote and directed the iconic musical Sarafina!, a powerful portrayal of the Soweto uprising and the struggles of young black students during apartheid. The play was later adapted into a 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Leleti Khumalo, garnering international acclaim.
His family, colleagues, and fans are devastated by his sudden passing. "He was a beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot," the family said in a statement.
In recognition of his immense contributions to South African arts and culture, Ngema has been posthumously awarded a special provincial official funeral category 2. This honour is reserved for distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.
SAMRO is saddened by the passing of Mbongeni Ngema, a multi award-winning lyricist and songwriter. We express heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the broader music industry.
