Actress Leleti Khumalo has expressed her condolences and paid tribute to her ex-husband, playwright, and musician Mbongeni Ngema, who tragically passed away on Wednesday in a car accident while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
In a statement shared this morning, Khumalo conveyed her deep sadness and shock over Ngema's untimely death. She recognized him as a trailblazer in protest theatre and highlighted the rich legacy he leaves behind in the world of theater. During this sorrowful time, Khumalo extended her profound condolences to Ngema's family and respected their need for space to mourn. She invoked cultural traditions and prayed for strength for them to cope with this immense loss.
"We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic death of Mbongeni Ngema. He was a pioneer of protest theatre and has left a rich legacy in the theatre world. At this sad time, we send our profound condolences to his family and in the tradition of our culture, we would like to give them the space to grieve. May the Lord give them strength as they come to terms with this immense loss,".
The couple first met during the filming of "Sarafina!" and later married in 1992. Although they did not have children together, Ngema and Khumalo parted ways in 2005 following a 14-year marriage, amidst allegations of abuse. In interviews with Nicky Greenwall and Anele Mdoda on separate occasions, Khumalo revealed that she felt restricted in her life and had limited freedom to pursue her own desires. Eventually, she made the decision to end the marriage, realizing that she had been living to please others.
"I wanted to do different plays‚ but it wasn't possible. I don't know if I could say he was jealous of me‚ I don't know.'
"I lived my 14 years of marriage for people. I wanted to please people and I stayed. I woke up one morning and told myself, that's it. I don't know what sparked it. I released a statement that we were divorcing.'
The Eastern Cape Department of Health confirmed that Ngema's body has been released to his family after an autopsy. Currently, his remains are being transported to KwaZulu Natal, his place of origin.
The passing of Mbongeni Ngema is undoubtedly a significant loss to the world of theater, and Leleti Khumalo joins many others in mourning the departure of a talented and influential artist.
