KaNyamazane-born actor Mncedisi Shabangu’s funeral arrangements announced

The family of the award-winning actor, playwright and director, Mncedisi Baldwin Shabangu, has announced the details of his memorial service and funeral service.

On Wednesday July 27, the family released a statement. According to a member, Mthokozisi Shabangu, the memorial service in Mpumalanga will be held on Thursday July 28 at the KaNyamazane Alliance Church of South Africa. “The service will start at 13:00 and ends at 16:00.”

The funeral service will be on Saturday July 30 at the KaNyamazane Alliance Church of South Africa. It starts at 07:00 and ends at 11:00. Mncedisi died on Sunday July 24.

Mthokozisi said Mncedisi passed away at about 02:00 at his home in KaNyamazane. Mncedisi cut his teeth in theatre in the early 1990s and will be remembered for his early acting role in Mbongeni Ngema’s Woza Albert!

A stage giant of note, he wrote, directed and acted in a number of stage plays, including the hilarious Vuka Machel, which is about two chicken thieves, set in KaNyamazane.

As messages of condolences for the late veteran actor, director and playwright, keep pouring in since the family announced his death, the Mpumalanga EFF has called for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to honour his legacy by investing in and supporting those within the creative industry.

The MEC for sport, art and culture, Thandi Shongwe, expressed her profound sadness at Mncedisi’s passing. “It is a sad loss for our province. Mncedisi was very active in the development of arts in the province. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Mpumalanga Performing Arts Laboratory and participated in structures representing artists. His passing is a monumental loss for arts, particularly in Mpumalanga. May his beloved wife, Blondie, their children and the Shabangu family find strength and comfort during this time,” said Shongwe.

Collen Sedibe, the EFF’s official opposition leader in the Provincial Legislature, said, “This province has much talent within the creative space, but Government is not doing anything at all to help nurture it. It is an insult and embarrassment that this province doesn’t even have plans to support those within this industry. Mpumalanga boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes that can be used to shoot movies and TV dramas, but we are not taking full advantage of all that beauty.”

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Sedibe said the Government owes it to Mncedisi to create a conducive environment for local talents to shine on the national stage, just like he did.
“We need to have our own TV series on national television that feature our own actors and actresses from Mpumalanga in both Isindebele, SiSwati and Tsonga. We are the only province that doesn’t have representation on the national stage,” he said.

Sedibe said Mncedisi played a huge role in this industry and represented the province well.

“His passing is a great loss not only to the entertainment industry, but to the entire province and country as well. Since he shot to stardom and fame, Mncedisi has never looked down and forgot who he was and where he came from. He was always here at home whenever time and opportunity availed themselves. We have seen him taking and grooming a number of local young people into acting. He was indeed a beacon of hope for many aspiring actors and actresses in Mpumalanga. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the rest of the entertainment community.”

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As they are making the funeral arrangements, the family is in need of financial assistance. “Those who wish to make contributions can contact us and we will provide the account numbers,” said Mthokozisi.

Those who would like to assist the family, may contact Xolile Gama on 081 787 1377 or Mthokozisi on 071 153 0385.