Mbongeni Ngema’s family fight over his final resting place

Renowned playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema’s family is currently fighting over his final burial place.

The elders in the family lean towards laying him to rest in his rural hometown of Nhlwathi, northern KZN, alongside his ancestors’ graves. Conversely, some family members advocate for his burial in Durban, among other heroes at Heroes Acre.

Ngema’s younger brother, Nhlanhla Ngema, disclosed to Daily Sun that the family struggled with this decision. Despite differing opinions, they reached a consensus to bury him at Heroes Acre in the Red Hill Cemetery in Durban.

“During this time, things like this happen. It’s true that elders were suggesting that he must be buried at Nhlwathi next to his ancestors’ graves,” Nhlanhla explained.

Nhlanhla Ngema further revealed that Ngema’s wife, Mpumelelo Gumede Ngema, also affirmed Mbongeni’s desire to rest at Heroes Acre in Durban. The family collectively decided to honour Ngema’s wishes by choosing Durban as his final resting place.

Nhlanhla acknowledged the elders’ preference for the Chesterville Heroes Acre, where notable figures like late Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa and veteran journalist Nat Nakasa rest. However, they discovered that it was full, prompting them to opt for the new Heroes Acre at Red Hill.

Nhlanhla clarified that the decision to bury Ngema in Durban was solely the family’s choice and was not influenced by the government, despite the funeral being declared a special provincial official funeral by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The funeral will take place at the ICC in Durban on Friday, 5 January.

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While initial plans included a memorial service in Ngema’s rural hometown in Nhlwathi on Thursday, 4 January, The family has postponed it to an undisclosed date.

Mbongeni Ngema, aged 68, tragically lost his life in a car crash on his journey from the Eastern Cape to KZN on Wednesday, 27 December 2024.