Menzi Ngubane’s family brings cheers to children’s home
Late actor would have turned 57
The family of the late SA actor Menzi Ngubane has vowed to keep his legacy alive.
This was revealed by younger brother Bonginkosi Ngubane when the Menzi Ngubane Foundation and BrightSpark Foundation SA made a donation to Ethembeni Home in Johannesburg at the weekend. The two foundations donated toys, disposable nappies and baby food to celebrate Ngubane’s 57th birthday.
Ethembeni Home looks after vulnerable children.
The actor, known for his role as Sibusiso Dlomo on Generations and Judas Ngwenya on Isibaya, died on March 13 after suffering a stroke. He usually celebrated his birthday by donating and making a difference in other people’s lives.
Bonginkosi said he was struggling to accept that his brother is gone. However, he was relieved that the family was extending Menzi’s legacy. He said his late brother had left a huge void in the family.
“As the family and the foundation, donating to Ethembeni has given us a relief that his legacy is carried out. We are happy that most of the things he wanted to see happening continue. We plan to continue with his projects as long as we live .
“This foundation will not ignore what Menzi stood for. It is good that his daughter, Siyasanga, has rolled up her sleeves to make sure that this continues where her father left off. We really appreciate the partnership we have with BrightSpark SA. The foundation that has taken us under its wings.
“They say time is a healer but not in this case. Healing is a process. But one gets comforted when something good happens in his name. If he were around, he would have clapped his hands and said ‘you have represented me well’.”
Siyasanga, who is the ambassador of the foundation, said: “Giving back is the most fitting way to honour the memory of my father. This is a special moment for our family and for the foundation as we celebrate my dad’s birthday in the way he would have wished us to. Every year, my dad ensured that he kept smiles on the faces of those running the home as well as the children.”
Major Bongi Zulu, who is the administrator at Ethembeni Home, said: “We are grateful for the donation that was led by Sikelelwa Ngubane, Menzi’s wife, and the whole team. The donation will make a huge difference to us because they donated items we use every day. We say thank you to them and that they should continue the relationship that we started with Menzi when he was alive.”