Family At Loggerheads Over The Late Playwright Mbongeni Ngema’s Final Burial 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.

ALSO READ: Unseen Footage: Mbongeni Ngema’s Last Public Moments Emerge, Leaving Social Media in Tears

Honouring Mbongeni Ngema’s Wishes: Choosing Heroes Acre in Durban

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.