Sarafina being the most popular drama to ever come out of South Africa, had a lot of actors and creators of which some are no more. Some acted in its initial stage when it was just a theatre drama and others did appeared on Sarafina the film. In this post we focus on 10 Sarafina Actors and Creators who died and causes of their deaths.
Number 1: Mbongeni Ngema, died in a car accident
Musician and actor Mbongeni Ngema who was also known for being the co-writer of screenplay of the film Sarafina died in a car crush. He died in a head-on accident on 27 December 2023 while returning from a funeral in a rural town in Eastern Cape province. Mbongeni Ngema contributed significantly on Sarafina back in the days. He was the creator and co-writer of screenplays of the film. He also played the role of Constable Sabela in the film and composed some songs which were used in the very same film.
Number 2: Mary Twala, died of diabetes
Veteran actress Mary Twala died of diabetes at old age of 80 years. She was known for several work in the acting industry and for playing the grandmother of Sarafina in the film Sarafina. The most trivial thing about her role in the film is that her biological son Somizi and husband were part of it too. Apart from Sarafina she played other roles in different dramas such as Generations, Ubizo: the calling, The Imposter, Scandal and many others. Unfortunately she passed away on July 4, 2020, at around 11 am at Parklane private hospital, Johannesburg.
Number 3: Miriam Makeba, died of cardiac arrest
Musician and actress Mirriam Makeba starred in Sarafina as Sarafina’s mother by the name of Angelina. She got the role after returning from exile where she had stayed for so many years after running away from the oppressive apartheid regime. Mirriam died in Hospital on 9 November 2008 after collapsing leaving the stage where she was performing in Italy. According to the report of The New York Times, Makeba collapsed leaving the stage, and she was rushed to the Hospital. Upon arrival it was discovered that the singer had collapsed as a result of cardiac arrest. Unfortunately the singer passed on that same night after succumbing from cardiac arrest.
Number 4: Wendy Mseleku, died of Renal failure
Another Sarafina cast who left us in shock was Wendy Mseleku who died in 2000 after renal failure. According to News 24 report, Wendy was admitted to the hospital 3 weeks prior her death due to kidney problems which arose after she gave birth. Unfortunately her condition worsened until she passed on. In Sarafina Wendy was known for playing the supporting role in Sarafina the movie.
Number 5: Patrick Ndlovu, died of natural causes
South African veteran actor Patrick Ndlovu died on 30 May 2023 after succumbing to natural causes. This means he died because he was too old since he was 85 years old by the time of death. In the film of Sarafina, Patrick played the role of Victor Gumede the irascible history teacher who replaced Mistress Mary Masombuka. After playing his role in Sarafina, Patrick appeared on other dramas such as Imbewu the seed, Zone 14, Yizo Yizo and many others.
Number 6: Hugh Masekela, died of Prostate cancer
You might not have seen Hugh Masekela on Sarafina film or drama but he did contributed to it in the form of songs. He co wrote songs alongside Mbongeni Ngema including theme song of Sarafina and other songs. Unfortunately like the rest of creators and actors we mentioned in this video, Hugh also passed away after succumbing to prostate cancer. He died on 23 January 2018 at the age of 78.
Number 7: Ndaba Mhlongo, cause of death unknown
Another actor who contributed in the creation of Sarafina is Somizi’s father Ndaba Mhlongo. He was the choreographer of the musical drama of Sarafina in its initial stage before it was made into a film. In 1988 he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography on Mbongeni Ngema’s Sarafina!. He also appeared in the drama as a soldier and band leader! Unfortunately he died the following year in 1989 but the cause of his death was never published.
Number 8: Sam Ngakane, died from stroke
Veteran actor Sam Ngakane died at Helen Joseph Hospital in 2010 after suffering a heart attack according to IOL report of the time. He died in old age of 86 leaving behind a lot of grandchildren. His daughter mentioned that Ngakane had suffered stroke 6 weeks prior to his death after the death of his son. He acted in popular TV dramas such as Mopheme and Lesiba. He also acted on Sarafina as Guitar’s father.
Number 9: Stanley Meyer, died of Cancer
Stanley Meyer was an English born music Composer and Conductor. He assisted in composition of Sarafina the musical drama working closes with its creators. Unfortunately Stanley died in 1993 in England at the age of 63 after succumbing to cancer. Most people never saw him in the film because he worked behind the scene contributing greatly to the drama and the film.
Number 10: James Mtoba, died of a Car accident (no images)
Another top actor of Sarafina who died is James Mtoba. He passed away in 1996 in a car accident according to Stellenbosch University website. On Sarafina, James played the role of Sarafina’s Uncle. Unlike other actors we have mentioned, James’ pictures or videos are rare on the internet.
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