28 December 2023

The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of talented South African playwright and artist Mbongeni Ngema (10 May 1955 – 27 December 2023).

The SACP also sends its condolences to the people of South Africa, who were entertained as well as educated by his multiple talents in the arts.

Globally celebrated as a playwright, actor, music composer, choreographer, librettist, among other accolades, through his work Ngema helped conscientise the masses of our country about the history and content of their struggles.

In paying tribute to Mbongeni Ngema, the SACP calls for the preservation of Ngema’s artistic works as well as making them easily accessible to the masses of our country, the majority of whom are working-class and poor. This necessitates the capacitation of the SABC as a public broadcaster, among other measures.

Additionally, our government through its various departments has a role to play to impart on the young of our country the knowledge that Ngema and his conscious colleagues espoused as well as developing the arts industry to build a patriotic nation for South Africa’s developmental aspirations. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as well as the Department of Basic Education, among others, have a duty to collaborate with other stakeholders in the transformation of our arts sector.