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Dr Mbongeni Ngema: This is my story

A much-anticipated documentary on the life and times of acclaimed theatre-maker, musician and writer, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, is set to premiere at The Market Theatre on Saturday, 30 May 2026.  Themed “Celebrating South African Heroes and Heroines”, the screening will honour the legacy of Dr Ngema as a powerful voice that spoke courageously against an oppressive regime. This moment occurs as the country marks 50 years since the June 16, 1976 Student Uprisings as well as the 50th anniversary of The Market Theatre, key historical developments bearing profound significance for post-struggle South Africa.

The documentary, which began filming as a rehearsal in 2020 in Dr Ngema’s Johannesburg home, turned out to be the last opportunity for the producers to record his life story, as he passed away in December 2023.

Although Dr Ngema narrates the greater part of the film, he is supported by interviews with other greats, the likes of former president Nelson Mandela, longest serving ANC President OR Tambo, entrepreneur Richard Maponya, legendary musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, international actor Dr John Kani, music composer Quincy Jones and actress Whoopi Goldberg. “Stimela saseZola” backing vocalist Mandisa Dlanga and “Sarafina” actresses Khanyo Maphumulo, Leleti Khumalo, Velephi Mnisi and Sonto Khumalo also lend their insights to make the work richer.

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The documentary goes deep into situations and incidences that shaped Dr Ngema’s life. It begins with him taking us back to the youngest memory he has about his life, which was in deep rural Zululand, sitting in front of a fire with his grandmother, who told him heroic stories about his ancestors. Dr Ngema believes it was those stories which embedded in him the talent for storytelling. From these humble beginnings, Dr Ngema went on to become an internationally acclaimed playwright, choreographer, composer and actor. Some of his notable works include plays such as “Woza Albert”, the Tony-nominated “Asinamali”, the award-winning “Sarafina”, as well as African hit song “Stimela saseZola”, to name a few.

In the documentary, Dr Ngema takes us through the rollercoaster journey of his life, inviting us into the ups and downs that refined him, and the challenges and victories that hoisted him to iconic status. But more preciously, he takes us behind the scenes on the thinking and situations behind some of his greatest works.

This work has already won Best Documentary Feature Film at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards and at the Umlazi International Film Festival. It has been officially selected at three International Film Festivals, namely Mashariki in Kigali, Abibitumi in Accra and the Joburg Film Festival in Johannesburg. Additionally, it has also been screened for a select audiences, including schools.

 As a concept, “This is my story” is a series of self-narrated documentaries of South African Icons telling their own stories. It is produced and directed by Lindani Mbense, a former broadcaster at the SABC.