Mbongeni Ngema, the acclaimed writer of the musical “Sarafina,” which depicted student riots during apartheid in Soweto, tragically died in a car crash at the age of 68, as announced by his family.
The family released a statement saying, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and a patriot, Mbongeni Ngema.” The statement revealed that Ngema lost his life in a head-on car accident while returning from attending a funeral in the Eastern Cape province. He was a passenger in the vehicle.
“Sarafina” propelled Ngema to pan-African music stardom, and a stage version had previously run on Broadway in New York for two years, earning nominations for Tony and Grammy awards.
The film featured Leleti Khumalo, who had also been part of the stage production and later married Ngema, along with Whoopi Goldberg.
Ngema co-wrote the play “Woza Albert” in 1981 with Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon. This satirical production provided a critical look at the challenges faced by black people in apartheid-era South Africa and toured Europe and North America.
The family highlighted that Ngema’s works “reflected the spirit of resistance” during the apartheid and liberation struggle in South Africa.
Ngema, a multi-talented artist, also contributed as an actor, choreographer, composer, and singer. His notable songs include “Stimela sa se Zola,” created in collaboration with Masekela.
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