Industry colleagues, friends, and fans took to social media on Wednesday night to pay tribute to the late playwright Mbongeni Ngema.

The 68-year-old, who was also a musician, composer, and choreographer, died in a head-on collision on Wednesday evening while returning from a funeral in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. A statement shared by the family confirmed the news.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband, and patriot, Mbongeni Ngema. He was a passenger in the vehicle.”

Tributes to Ngema flooded social media. Sport, arts, and culture minister Zizi Kodwa and celebrities Lebo M and Khaya Dladla were among those who shared tributes online.

“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,” Zizi Kodwa wrote.

“The legendary Bro Mbongeni Ngema has exited the stage. There are so many things I can write about how he influenced a lot of young theatre and dance groups emalokitshini in Bulawayo in the 90s. My favorite stage production from him was The Zulu. I watched It when it toured Europe while I was also on tour and I fell in love with the music, the harmonies, the dancing, and the storytelling,” singer and songwriter Vusa Mkhaya wrote.

In other news – WATCH: Bontle Modiselle saw her father going to commit suicide

Popular Mzansi actress, television presenter, radio personality, dancer, choreographer, singer, and model, Bontle Modiselle breaks down in tears while recounting her father’s tragic passing.

The choreographer faults herself for her dad’s death because she claimed to have seen him preparing to kill himself, but she didn’t question him as she hoped to ask questions the following day. Read More