KwaZulu Natal: KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube expressed her gratitude to President Cyril Ramaphosa for granting the legendary and internationally acclaimed playwright, composer, director and theatre producer Dr Mbongeni Ngema a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2.
The Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2, which includes elements of police ceremonial honours, is reserved for distinguished persons specifically designated by the President of South Africa on request by the Premier of a province.
Premier Dube-Ncube said that Dr Ngema distinguished himself as a true South African legend who used creative art and theatre to contribute to the fight for freedom the country is enjoying today.
“We requested the President to declare Dr Ngema’s send off a Special Provincial Official Funeral primarily to recognize his contribution to our long and painful journey for freedom, said Premier Dube Ncube.
The Premier added that although Dr Ngema has passed away, this noble gesture by the President will give the family and many South Africans some comfort that he received a send-off befitting to his stature. “We welcome the respect bestowed upon Dr Ngema by the President.
This is indeed a befitting honour to Madlokovu, who worked tirelessly for many decades to put South Africa on the global pedestal through art.
Armed only with his creativity and theatre, he confronted the brutal apartheid regime, in the process conscientizing the world about the ruthless and dehumanizing nature of apartheid. Madlokovu used his vast networks abroad to focus the attention of the world on the suffering of our people in this country under apartheid. He pencilled an indelible mark on our journey towards freedom,” said Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Dr Ngema was killed in a car crash on Wednesday, 27 December, on his way to KwaZulu-Natal from the Eastern Cape.
“Madlokovu was a passionate and true ambassador of the theatre and music art form. He worked hard to unearth, develop and nurture talent from our townships and rural areas. Many practitioners today owe their success to Madlokovu. As we mourn his passing and send our condolences to his family, we express our gratitude that he lived during our lifetime,” concluded the Premier.
The Provincial Government, together with the family, will, in due course, communicate further details with regard to the funeral service.