Joburg City Theatre (JCT) has withdrawn its funding for an event intended to celebrate the life and work of the late playwright Mbongeni Ngema. The decision came following a complaint lodged by Nompumelelo Gumede, who claims to be Mbongeni’s wife despite disputes over his marital status.
The event, organised by Mbongeni’s customary wife, Yolanda Moncho, was set to take place in Newtown, Johannesburg. However, the sudden withdrawal of funding has led to the cancellation of the event. Nompumelelo’s complaint centres around the use of Mbongeni’s intellectual property by Yolanda’s company, Diamond Edge.
According to SundayWorld, the Johannesburg Theatre decided to withdraw its funding from Diamond Edge after a letter informing them of this decision was leaked to Sunday World by theatre employees. The letter, written to Diamond Edge, cited disputes over the ownership of Mbongeni’s intellectual property and ongoing conflicts related to the filmmaker’s estate as reasons for the funding withdrawal. The theatre’s CEO, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema his’s ex-wife, was involved in the decision.
The letter further stated that a virtual meeting was held on 24 May 2024 between the legal representatives of Mbongeni’s family and the JCT legal officer.
The letter stated that during the meeting, it transpired that Mbongeni’s will had not been read, and as a result, there was a legal vacuum about his estate.
Mbongeni is known internationally for his contributions to theatre and music, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate within the artistic community. His works, which often tackled socio-political issues with poignant storytelling, have left a mark on South African and global stages alike.
Also see: Mbongeni Ngema’s family wants body exhumed for reburial
