APA-Johannesburg (South Africa) Renowned South African musician and playwright Mbongeni Ngema died in a head-on collision in Eastern Cape province on Wednesday evening.
In a statement on Thursday, his family said Ngema, 68, died while returning Lusikisiki where he had attended a funeral service.
He was a passenger in the car.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, husband and patriot, Mbongeni Ngema,” the statement said.
Ngema gained international recognition for creating the critically acclaimed 1992 musical Sarafina, which addressed the struggles of black South Africans during apartheid and featured world-famous actress Whoopi Goldberg.
Ngema also became a household name for writing hit songs such as Stimela sa se Zola.
JN/APA