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While expressing devastation faced by the family regarding Mbongeni Ngema's passing, Nhlanhla Ngema - the deceased's younger brother - said the family is shocked.
He remembered his brother as a warm and loving person, even in the face of adversity.
"He was attending the funeral of his company manager, a long-time colleague since the days of Sarafina!, at Lusikisiki," Nhlanhla told City Press on Thursday.
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In an audibly tender voice, he said Ngema was "a father figure to me".
"He did everything for me and the family to be where we are today. Our parents left when we were young, yet he took care of all of us and helped us become who we are."
Their parents worked in Verulam and Ngema had to step in and take care of his siblings while their parents were not around.
"He was a warm and loving person, even with the cast. I know that because I also worked with him; that is why we have so many people we reckon as - family because of his love."
Ngema, a writer, lyricist, composer, director, choreographer and theatre producer died in a head-on collision whilst returning from attending a funeral in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, around 6pm on Wednesday.
A CASE OPENED
The provincial transport department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, said a case of culpable homicide has been registered at the Bizana Police Station.
According to Binqose, Ngema was travelling in a sedan with two other people, a man and female, proceeding in the direction of Port Edward when the car they were travelling in collided with a heavy truck with two occupants.
Binqose said Ngema and the two passengers in the car sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Adelaide Tambo Memorial Hospital. "Regretfully, Ngema died in hospital after suffering too many wounds."
He said:
READ: Why the magic of Sarafina! still endures
Meanwhile, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said South Africa has lost one of its great playwrights, composers, lyricists, directors and musicians, adding that Ngema's work was celebrated both nationally and internationally.
Kodwa said:
He said in the democratic years, Ngema’s work would reflect the mood, hopes, joy and challenges of life in democratic South Africa.
