By: Natasha Archary

Sarafina playwright Dr Mbongeni Ngema has died in a car crash on Wednesday evening, 27 December in the Eastern Cape.
The 68-year old was returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a head-on collision.
Ngema’s family confirmed the news in a statement, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband and a patriot, Mbongeni Ngema.
Ngema was killed in a head-on car accident whilst returning from a funeral.
He is best known for his award-winning works that include Sarafina and Woza Albert. Among his many hit songs is Stimela sa se Zola.
An entertaining artist of note, Ngema’s works reflected the spirit of resistance during the Westwood’s of apartheid and liberation struggle.
The Ngema family, colleagues and friends are deeply devastated about Ngema’s passing.. The family will share further details about the funeral arrangements in due course.”
The legendary playwright and lyricist was a passenger in the vehicle.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa paid tribute to Ngema.
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, one of South Africa’s great playwrights, directors, lyricists and composers.
Dr Ngema’s internationally acclaimed work, from Sarafina to Stimela sase Zola, told distinctly South African stories and experiences.”
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Mbongeni Ngema, one of South Africa’s great playwrights, directors, lyricists and composers. Dr Ngema’s internationally acclaimed work, from Sarafina to Stimela sase Zola, told distinctly South African stories and experiences. pic.twitter.com/adLrJj4mGa
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) December 27, 2023
Dr Mbongeni Ngema began his career as a backstage guitarist in Durban. He joined Gibson Kente in 1979 as an actor musician.
The highly acclaimed Ngema wrote the internationally recognized Woza Albert with Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon.
Sarafina was Ngema’s claim to fame, and the stage version was featured on New York’s Broadway for 2-years.
Lead actress Leleti Khumalo, who was married to Ngema received a 1988 Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a musical.
In 2022, Ngema’s ex-wife Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema spoke to Kaya 959 about her abusive marriage to the playwright.



