Ex Generations renowned actor Menzi Ngubane dies, at 57
By Mcebo Makhaye
Veteran actor Menzi Ngubane has died at the age of 57, family’s spokesperson confirmed on Saturday morning.
The star’s family confirmed that he had died due to stroke reception/attack at home, News24 reported.
“As a family, we wish to thank everyone for their continued and sustained support and the prayers for our beloved son- who battle with kidney failure and sugar diabetes had become an open secret over the years,” the family’s spokesperson said in a statement.
The family of the award-winning actor also said that they wish to kindly be given privacy to discuss funeral arrangements and they would update the public as soon as possible.
“We wish to mourn the passing of our beloved son in private and will communicate the funeral and other arrangements in due course,” the statement said.
The actor was born in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal in 1964.
Ngubane’s career spanned more than three decades, and he has been entertaining the nation with his notable stellar acting skills in many local TV dramas and series. He has graced the country’s screens since in 1987, when he made his breakthrough role in the industry in Zulu-drama titled “Kwakhala Nyonini” as Cijimpi.
From there, he never looked back as he captures the country’s attention with his Zulu-slang script in many dramas, but he stole viewers’ hearts with his well-known character of Sbusiso Dlomo in Generations.
Ngubane has been on multiple local hit series such as Yizo Yizo, Ashes to Ashes, Gold Diggers and The Queen, among others.
He has acted in several films too, including How to Steal 2 Million, which won best pictures in 2012, at the African Movie Academy Awards.
Ngubane also worked alongside with the famous United States of America (USA) actor, Samuel L. Jackson in the South African feature film named “In My Country”, based on the Antjie Krog book titled “Country of My Skull”.
Recently, he was playing the character of Judas Ngwenya in the Mzansi Magic hit series Isibaya.
However, the award-winning actor had been battling with a kidney problem for several years.
Furthermore, between 2010 and 2015, Ngubane’s numerous struggles with kidney failure resulted in him being paced on a kidney transparent list.
Ultimately, he underwent the life-saving operation, allowing him to continue his acting career.
“Over the past decade, Ngubane’s life has been spent much of his time trying to demystify issues relating to kidney disease and diabetes while promoting positive lifestyle changes needed to cope with the diseases,” the statement added.
Over the subsequent years, Ngubane has been instrumental about his health problems and worked hard in spreading the word about kidney disease.
The actor is survived by his wife, Sikelelwa and two daughters.
Rest In Peace, Mbovu Somahhashi…Lala Kahle Ngubane.
Compiled by Mcebo Makhaye.
