By Zukile Majova
Dozens of musicians, actors and other creatives are expected to flock to Durban’s Playhouse on Wednesday for the memorial service of legendary playwright, theatre director and musician Mbongeni Ngema.
His publicist Sbu Ketwa has confirmed to the media that the life of the creator of the famous play Sarafina! will be celebrated in the memorial service scheduled for 12 pm.
Ngema was killed in a car crash last week after attending a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.
Details of Ngema’s funeral have not been announced but President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted a special provincial official funeral for the legend.
The state funeral includes elements of police ceremonial honours and is reserved for distinguished persons.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube described Ngema as a distinguished South African legend who used creative art and theatre to contribute to the fight for freedom.
“We made the request to the president to declare Dr Ngema’s send-off a special provincial official funeral primarily to recognise his contribution to our long and painful journey to freedom.
“We welcome the respect bestowed upon Dr Ngema by the president. This is indeed a befitting honour to Madlokovu, who worked tirelessly for many decades to put South Africa on the global pedestal through art.”
Ramaphosa said Ngema’s “masterfully creative narration of our liberation struggle honoured the humanity of oppressed South Africans and exposed the inhumanity of an oppressive regime.
“The many productions he created or to which he contributed inspired resilience and pride among us as fellow South Africans and took South Africa and our continent into the theatres, homes and consciousness of millions of people around the world.”
Pictured above: Mbongeni Ngema
Image source: X
