Nompumelelo Gumede-Ngema, the late veteran writer and singer Mbongeni Ngema’s wife, wrote a touching farewell message to her husband during his provincial funeral category two burial on Friday at the International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Ngema died in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on December 27.
Nompumelelo, who was overcome with emotion when taking to the podium, was accompanied by Vusimuzi Gumede, who read the emotional letter on her behalf: “I am at pains in accepting the finality this day presents. It is hard for me to accept the reality that I will not see you come through that door anymore. I keep thinking it’s a dream that I’ll be awakened from, or perhaps someone playing a joke on me. But then again, the days that have passed following your unexpected passing serve as confirmation this is indeed not a dream. You have truly found your peace…
“How do I begin to put together the pieces of my puzzle when the main part, you, are not around? The 17 years you dedicated to our union have given me more than just a husband. You truly did become my best friend, my mentor, and a centre that held everything together for me. You were a legend to many, but to me, you will always remain my husband. Thank you for loving me.”
Image: SANDILE NDLOVU
