Mbongeni Ngema, who composed the songs for the famous musical Sarafina passed away on Wednesday, 28 December at the age of 68. He was involved in a fatal car crash on his way back from a funeral service in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape. The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed his grief and admiration for the late playwright.
A social media post from the family of Mbongeni Ngema confirmed his death on Wednesday night. It said: “We are heartbroken to share the news of the sudden passing of our dear brother, father, husband, and patriot Mbongeni Ngema… Ngema died in a head-on collision with a truck while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. He was a passenger in the car.”
The Eastern Cape police told TshisaLIVE that they were looking into a case of culpable homicide after the accident that happened around 4.30 pm, allegedly between a white Renault sedan and a truck. “The three people were taken to hospital for treatment. The deceased [Mbongeni Ngema], who was one of the passengers who died from his injuries at the hospital, and the other two including the driver are still in the hospital,” Lt-Col Siphokazi Mawisa said.
The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, paid homage to the renowned composer, musician, and actor on his timeless. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of our cultural icon, Mbongeni Ngema, who has lost his life in a car accident. His brilliantly creative storytelling of our liberation struggle celebrated the humanity of oppressed South Africans and revealed the inhumanity of a repressive regime. The many productions he created or contributed to inspired strength and pride among us as fellow South Africans and brought South Africa and our continent to the theatres, homes, and awareness of millions of people around the world. May his soul rest in peace,” Ramaphosa said.