Johannesburg, 29 December 2023 – The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), has learned, with shock and sadness, of the tragic passing of legendary South African musician, playwright, producer and composer Dr Mbongeni Ngema, who died in a car crash at the age of 68.
On behalf of the NFVF council and the South African audio -visual industry, we send our deepest condolences to Dr Ngema’s family, friends, colleagues and fans/supporters. He leaves the SA film industry richer with his well-known and globally celebrated catalogue of productions. His acting, directing, music composing and singing was second to none.
Dr Ngema’s body of work includes the internationally acclaimed SARAFINA! that has received a number of international honours as well as screenings in acclaimed international film festivals. Another one, is his theatre production, Woza Albert, that went on to win over 20 awards across the world. Woza Albert explores the second coming of Jesus Christ as a black man, returning to South Africa as a black man.
“South Africa has lost an incredibly talented pathfinder and legend in Dr Ngema. He put the country on the world stage with amazing productions like SARAFINA!, House of Shaka, Mama, Asinamali, to name a few”, says Ms. Thobela Mayinje, NFVF Acting CEO. Mayinje adds, “We send our sincere condolences to his family and the entire South African audio-visual industry.”
ENDS.
For media requests, contact:
Lerato Mokopanele
Marketing and Communications Manager
National Film and Video Foundation
About NFVF
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa’s film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing, and distribution of films, and the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.
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