Family’s double tragedy as Menzi Ngubane’s dad passes away

A double tragedy has struck the Menzi Ngubane family, with the iconic actor’s father yesterday also passing away. Now the family will have to face the pain of burying two loved ones.

Menzi’s funeral was to take place this Saturday in his home town of Ladysmith but it is unclear how his father’s death will affect the arrangements. When the Citizen called Menzi’s brother, Boni Ngubane, for comment his phone rang unanswered.

Menzi who passed away from a stroke on Saturday was evidently close to his father. At his father’s 90^th birthday, he spoke fondly of the old man.

In a heartfelt Twitter post at the time, Menzi wrote: “This past weekend marked the most important celebration in my life. My dad turned 90yrs & my Queen and I decided to bring family & friends together to honour our most cherished gentleman, my dad. I feel very blessed to have him in my life, as much as I’m a father myself. consider myself a son to him and still run to him for advice.”

He continued: “He’s the strongest human being I’ve ever known, knowledgeable & I’m humbled to experience and learn from his wisdom…” Both Menzi and his dad were in a celebratory mood as if they knew it would the last birthday they spend together.

Fans couldn’t contain their shock at the double tragedy, asking how such a sad thing could attack one family in less than a week. They urged the family to stay strong during these trying times. Menzi passed away on Saturday after battling a stroke.

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He had previously struggled with kidney disease. Over the past ten years, the Ladysmith born actor spent much of his time trying to demystify issues relating to kidney disease and sugar diabetes while promoting  positive lifestyle changes needed to cope with the disease.

He experienced this problem from 2010 to 2015 that eventually saw him being placed on a kidney recipients list and ultimately he received a donor. Although his health improved, he later became sick again until he met his death.

Equally evident was the support Menzi, had from his wife, Sikelelwa, who was also a big part of the celebrations at his father’s 90^th birthday celebrations.

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