A woman claiming to be the late artist and playwright, Dr Mbongeni Ngema’s wife, has revealed she is pregnant for him.
Woman Claims To Be Mbongeni Ngema’s Wife, Also Pregnant
Sunday World reported that Yolanda “Wanda” Moncho, the managing director of Diamond Edge, an artist management company handling Ngema’s career, asserted her status as Ngema’s customary wife, stating she is four months pregnant. She has requested assistance from KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube to be involved in the preparations for his burial.
In a letter dated January 2, 2024, to Premier Dube-Ncube, Moncho expressed her desire to be part of the funeral arrangements. She said she is Ngema’s official manager, detailing how they tried to revive his career and secure various live performance bookings. Moncho also emphasised her customary wife status, citing the delegation sent to her family in Diepkloof, Soweto, in 2021.
Woman Claims To Be The Late Mbongeni Ngema’s Wife, Says She Is Pregnant [Image: @mbongeningema/Instagram]
Moncho, however, claimed she was disallowed from participating in discussions and meetings concerning Ngema’s burial by his family:
“I have decided to direct this correspondence to your office after several unsuccessful attempts to get the family of Dr Ngema to involve me in all meetings and other discussions amongst themselves and with government officials pertaining to the burial of Dr Ngema, my client and my husband. I write to plead with you to please facilitate a meeting between myself and my family that would ensure that I am as much involved in the preparation for my husband’s funeral as the same way that other spouses of my husband, in particular, one Ms Nompumelelo Gumede is currently involved.
“This is very important for me because as his wife and his official manager, Dr Ngema has over the years confided to me on a number of matters pertaining to his death and it is my solemn wish to ensure that these are carried through to the end. I am hopeful that my humble request will be acceded to. I loved my husband, even in death, I love him. It remains my wish that his burial and all events leading up to it proceed without any controversy. I am therefore hopeful that this request will find resonance with your office.”
Lawyer And KZN Premier’s Office Confirm The Letter
Moncho’s lawyer, Advocate Christopher Shabangu, confirmed the letter’s existence and mentioned they anticipate a response from the premier’s office. Shabangu said Moncho is frustrated with Ngema’s family for blocking her involvement in burial preparations. He stated her right to mourn her husband.
KZN provincial government spokesperson Bongi Gwala confirmed receipt of the letter and its forwarding to Premier Dube-Ncube. However, due to prior engagements, Dube-Ncube had not seen the letter at the time.
Dr Mbongeni Ngema tragically lost his life in a car accident last week while returning from a funeral.
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