RIP: Menzi Ngubane’s wife
Remembering the Legacy of Menzi Ngubane: A Tribute by His Wife Sikelelwa Ngubane
It has been three years since the beloved South African actor Menzi Ngubane departed this world, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to resonate with fans and loved ones alike.
On the solemn anniversary of his passing, his wife, Sikelelwa Ngubane, took to Instagram to honor his memory and reflect on their time together.
Menzi Ngubane, renowned for his roles in various television productions, including the iconic soap opera Generations, bid farewell to the world on March 13, 2021, at the age of 56. Reports from SowetanLIVE at the time revealed that his untimely demise was attributed to a stroke he suffered earlier that morning.
In a heartfelt statement released by the family, it was disclosed that Menzi Ngubane was laid to rest in a poignant ceremony in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, later that month. Adding to the poignancy of the occasion, he was interred alongside his father, Ndodeni Ngubane, who passed away just three days after him.
Reflecting on their final moments together, Sikelelwa Ngubane reminisced about their last telephone conversation, where Menzi expressed his weariness and desire for eternal rest. Little did she know that it would be their final exchange. “Today marks 3 years ungasekho emhlabeni [without you on earth] Dali [my love],” she wrote, capturing the lingering sense of loss.
“I am keeping strong for our girls by God’s grace, one day this all will make sense, but for now, I still have so many questions,” she continued, echoing the universal struggle to find solace in the face of profound grief.
Menzi Ngubane’s passing was a result of his prolonged battle with diabetes and kidney failure, a reality that Sikelelwa Ngubane acknowledges with a heavy heart. “Continue to rest Mbomvu, Myaluza, Somahhashi, Zikode Elimhlophe [clan names],” she expressed, emphasizing the enduring presence of his spirit in their lives.
Despite the profound loss, Sikelelwa Ngubane continues to honor her husband’s memory through her own endeavors, including her involvement in Showmax’s poignant new series, Widows Unveiled. The show, which delves into the lives of five women who were married to prominent South African public figures, including Menzi Ngubane, offers a platform for these widows to share their experiences and challenge the stigma surrounding widowhood.
Joining a cast that includes Lerato Sengadi, Mpho Tshabalala, Fundiswa Molefe, Lerato Maphatsoe, and Sikelelwa Ngubane, the series sheds light on the often overlooked struggles faced by widows in society. As Mpho Tshabalala aptly expressed, “I realized that widowhood is treated like a plague. No one ever wants to talk about it, but it’s a day-to-day reality for millions of people.”
In honoring the memory of Menzi Ngubane and embracing her role in Widows Unveiled, Sikelelwa Ngubane continues to carry forward his legacy of resilience, compassion, and unwavering strength in the face of adversity.
