Mbongeni Ngema’s Spouse Reads Letter at Funeral, SA Discusses Tribute Amid Customary Wife Claims

• Mbongeni Ngema was laid to rest on 05 January 2024, and his wife honoured him for the last time
• The South African playwright was married to Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, and she is deep in mourning
• Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema's tribute to the funeral came after another woman claimed to be the late legend's customary wife

Mbongeni Ngema received a sweet goodbye from his wife, Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema. The veteran performer received a provincial funeral that was hosted at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban Kwazulu-Natal.

After Mbongeni Ngema passed away in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on 27 December 2023, many paid their respects. His life partner, Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, read her heartfelt letter at the funeral.

Mbongeni Ngema gets moving tribute from wife

Read also

Mbongeni Ngema: KZN government calls on The Playhouse Theatre to be renamed after late artist

In her speech, Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema was emotional about Mbongeni's passing. TimesLIVE reported that she said:

“I am at pains in accepting the finality this day presents. It is hard for me to accept the reality that I will not see you come through that door anymore. I keep thinking it's a dream that I'll be awakened from, or perhaps someone playing a joke on me."

The wife reflected on the 17-year marriage to Mbongeni Ngema. She also lauded him as a legend and said she'd always be his wife.

SA moved by Mbongeni Ngema funeral tribute

Many netizens commented that they felt for the widow. People expressed sympathy for the wife.

Lukia Masilo commented:

Read also

Mbongeni Ngema: Leleti Khumalo credits late ex-husband for moulding her career: "I owe a lot to him"

"Death is like that, you'll be fine dear."

Sosoki Soso felt for her:

"Eish sorry sister."

Innocentia Sibongile added:

"Phola mama kuzodlula cc."

Marcus Matlotlo Ndala said:

"He was with a young lady, age is just a number."

Ole Legote lamented:

"There is a finality to death that not even grieve can overturn. Only two things in life are guaranteed, death and taxes!"

Woman claims to be Mbongeni Ngema's customary wife

In a related story, a woman claims that she was married to the icon in 2021. Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema's goodbye to her husband comes after rumours were swirling that he had a baby mama.

Dumisani Dlamini reminisces on Mbongeni Ngema's impact

Briefy News previously reported that veteran South African actor Dumiasni Dlamini has remembered the late legendary playwright Mbongeni Ngema who passed away in a car crash on 27 December 2023 on his way from the Eastern Cape.

Read also

Doja Cat's father and 'Sarafina!' star Dumisani Dlamini pays tribute to Mbongeni Ngema

Mbongeni Ngema is the star who introduced Mzansi to some of the country's biggest stars. Stars like Somizi Mhlongo, Leleti Khumalo and Dumisani Dlamini rose to prominence for playing the role of Crocodile in the award-winning movie Sarafina!

There is no doubt that Mbongeni Ngema was Dumisani Dlamini's mentor, and he looked up to him. The former The Wife star added that he learnt a lot from Ngema.

Source: Briefly News