Durban – Internationally acclaimed playwright, composer, director, and theatre producer Dr. Mbongeni Ngema – who died in a car crash – has been granted a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube on Monday expressed her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for granting the legendary playwright “a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2”.
This type of funeral includes elements of police ceremonial honours, and is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President on request by a premier.
Premier Dube-Ncube said that Dr. Ngema distinguished himself as a true South African legend who used creative art and theatre to contribute to the fight for freedom the country enjoys today.
“We made the request to the President to declare Dr. Ngema’s send off a Special Provincial Official Funeral primarily to recognise his contribution to our long and painful journey for freedom,” the premier said.
She said this noble gesture by the President will give the family and many South Africans some comfort that Dr. Ngema is going to receive a send-off befitting his stature.
“We welcome the respect bestowed upon Dr. Ngema by the President,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
“This is indeed a befitting honour to Madlokovu, who worked tirelessly for many decades to put South Africa on the global pedestal through art.
“Armed only with his creativity and theatre, he confronted the brutal apartheid regime, in the process conscientising the world about the ruthless and dehumanising nature of apartheid.
“Madlokovu used his vast networks abroad to focus the attention of the world on the suffering of our people in this country under apartheid.
“He pencilled an indelible mark on our journey towards freedom.”
Dr. Ngema was killed in a car crash on Wednesday, (27 December on his way to KwaZulu-Natal from the Eastern Cape.
“Madlokovu was a passionate and true ambassador of the theatre and music art form. He worked hard to unearth, develop, and nurture talent from our townships and rural areas,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
“Many practitioners today owe their success to Madlokovu. As we mourn his passing and send our condolences to his family, we express our gratitude that he lived during our lifetime.”
The premier said the provincial government and the family “will in due course communicate further details regarding the funeral service”.
