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sarafinalatest news & developments
Third time lucky: Noxolo Dlamini returns to the role of Sarafina in a production of the musical, on at the Joburg Theatre until 15 June. (Photo supplied)

Noxolo Dlamini returns to the stage as Sarafina

Dlamini brings new life to a role born from resistance and South Africa’s historic youth uprising

DA leader John Steenhuisen.Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP
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Korner Talk | Burn, burn, burn: Steenhuisen’s ‘Sarafina’ moment

The opposition party’s flag-burning advert has ignited much criticism

Playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema, who wrote and directed the musical Sarafina, died in a car crash on Wednesday, his family said.

Mbongeni Ngema and sanitising history

South Africa’s grotesque sexual violence statistics give credence to those who want to use his death and prominence to highlight the country’s sex crimes

KEMPTON PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 15: Dr Mbongeni Ngema during the Black Musical Extravaganza at the Theatre of Marcellus on September 15, 2023 in Kempton Park, South Africa. World-acclaimed writer, lyricist, composer and film producer Mbongeni Ngema officially launched his new EP Thina Bant Abamnyama.  (Photo by Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

Mbongeni Ngema dead, but his legacy will live on

Ngema’s flaws should not overshadow his remarkable contribution to South African cultural history This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free…

Playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema, who wrote and directed the musical Sarafina, died in a car crash on Wednesday, his family said.

Playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema killed in crash

He was the creator of the acclaimed musical and film Sarafina which explores the 1976 uprising led by black students

Freedom: A scene from the movie ‘Sarafina!’, about the June 16 student uprising, with Leleti Khumalo (centre) as the lead character.

‘Sarafina!’  back with amandla

The remastered version of the movie made three decades ago is out and as relevant as ever

Book tickets: Greg Homann has taken up the position of artistic director at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre. Photo: Kate Green

He has cornered the Market

A playful take on the sport of theatre by the theatre’s new artistic director, Greg Homann

Remaining relevant: ‘Sarafina!’ performed at the 2017 Naledi Theatre Awards in Joburg.

Sarafina! is still with us as youth struggles continue

Decades later, Mbongeni Ngema’s work still has life lessons for South Africans in these dark days for our democracy

Khaya Sithole: ‘Sarafina’ doesn’t have ‘Friends’

Unlike in the United States, the way actors in South Africa are treated borders on exploitation

Mbongeni Ngema denies claims by musician Tu Nokwe that she took part in conceptualising the Broadway success ‘Sarafina!’.

Mbongeni Ngema dismisses singer’s claims about ‘Sarafina!’ involvement

Musician Tu Nokwe wants recognition for being the brains behind the hit musical, but Mbongeni Ngema denies she played any part in its creation.