RIP: ‘Sarafina!’ playwright, Mbongeni Ngema dies in car crash

Acclaimed award-winning artist and South African playwright, Mbongeni Ngema who is best known for his work in the iconic and award-winning movie Sarafina! has died – he is said to have passed away on Wednesday evening in a car crash on his way back from attending a funeral service in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape, Sunday World reported.

RIP: VETERAN PLAYWRIGHT, MBONGENI NGEMA DIES

A family statement announced the death of the legendary 68-year-old and read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot Mbongeni Ngema… Ngema was killed in a head-on car accident while returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape this evening. He was a passenger in the vehicle.”

According to the publication, Ngema’s nephew, Sabelo, said although his uncle was not the driver of the vehicle, he unfortunately sustained severe injuries that led to his death. Ngema was reportedly bred in the village of eNhlwathi which is located near the rural town of KwaHlabisa in northern KwaZulu-Natal. He made a name for himself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated theatre producers, directors, composers and playwrights.

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THE LATE VETERAN CELEBRATED

The 365 Men’s Awards were held last month and hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The event honoured men who promoted transformation in society and brought about change in the areas of Community Development, Education, and more. Mbongeni Ngema walked away with a Lifetime Achievement Award and expressed his appreciation after attending the annual ceremony.

“Little did I know that I was going to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. It is very humbling when your contribution to the South African liberation through the arts is recognised while you are still alive. Thank you so much to the organisers of the awards. These awards honour men who have displayed exemplary leadership and have made a positive impact in our communities,” Ngema said at the time.

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