By Katlego Sekhu
Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema loved theatre from a young age and dreamt of being an actress.
After watching a Gibson Kente play, she met rising star Mbongeni Ngema and their relationship began.
With each of Mbongeni’s productions, their fame and success grew, and together they started a production company that birthed the Broadway hit Sarafina!
Xoliswa chats to 959 Breakfast with Dineo Ranaka and Sol.
On her book Heart of a Strong Woman
Xoliswa Ndundeni-Ngema says when writing her book, she and her team wrestled with the title until they came up with Heart of a Strong Woman.
“I’ve gone through real struggles and I had to rise. I got divorced at the age of 29,” she shares.
Xoliswa says it was during a trip to Nigeria that she realised she had to leave their marriage.
“He became really violent at the time. As I was coming out of a hotel window on the sixth floor and I told myself I couldn’t anymore.
“When I came back I packed my bags. He has many sides, a loving side and a crazy side which I could not understand.”
On sharing her story years later
Xoliswa tells 959 Breakfast with Dineo and Sol that it’s “a critical story that to be told as we are currently dealing with gender-based violence.”
She adds: “It’s the truth and it’s my story – whether they believe it or not a lot of people were there because Mbongeni would not do this in private.
“He did it openly at times and people would witness that. It is a story for those who want to listen.”
Xoliswa also opens up about her journey of healing. Catch up on the interview on the podcast below:
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