The death of South African actor Menzi Ngubane in March 2021 marked a heartbreaking moment for fans across the nation. Known for his powerful performances in television dramas, Menzi passed away at the age of 56 due to a stroke, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by many. However, the deepest wounds left by his absence are felt within his family, where the void of a father and husband remains agonizingly present.
Two years on, Menzi’s widow, Sikelelwa Sishuba, continues to grapple with the loss of her beloved husband. On what would have been Menzi’s birthday, Sikelelwa poured out her heart in an emotional social media post dedicated to him, unveiling the raw pain she and her children endure daily. The message, filled with memories and sorrow, painted a picture of a family still mourning a man who was their rock.
“The day God called your name, it broke my heart in two, but Heaven needed an angel, and the one he picked was you,” Sikelelwa wrote alongside cherished photos of Menzi. “I wish he could’ve waited and let you stay with me, but you have left memories in my heart, and that’s where they’ll always be.”
Sikelelwa’s heartfelt words express the profound grief of losing a partner, a feeling many who have experienced loss can relate to. She further conveyed her longing to have more time with Menzi, wishing she could turn back the clock to share one more moment with him.
“I just wish I could rewind the clock or make it turn real slow so that I could hug you one more time before you go,” she continued. “No matter how much time will pass, I will miss you every day. Keep shining bright in heaven, Nomafu, so you can light my way. Happy heavenly birthday, Dali.”
These words reflect the ongoing struggle Sikelelwa faces as she navigates life without Menzi. It’s not just the emotional pain that overwhelms her; it’s also the daily challenges of raising their children alone and trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in their lives.
In a candid interview with TshisaLIVE, Sikelelwa opened up about the difficulties of being a single mother, sharing the impact of Menzi’s death on their children. For her, the pain is ever-present, a daily battle against the disbelief that Menzi is gone.
“It’s still difficult. Every morning I wake up in disbelief that he’s really gone. It’s unbelievable and still hurts as if it happened yesterday,” Sikelelwa admitted. “At least I’m better now because I can speak about him without crying.”
However, while Sikelelwa has found some strength to talk about Menzi, the weight of his absence on their children remains a heavy burden. Their youngest son, in particular, has visibly struggled, with grief manifesting in his loss of appetite and noticeable weight loss.
“The children are struggling; the younger one even lost weight. He doesn’t have an appetite. It’s bad, but we’re trying to cope as best as we can,” she shared. “The void he left won’t close, but I have to be strong for the children.”
Sikelelwa’s heartfelt account sheds light on the painful reality of life without Menzi. The emptiness he left behind is felt in every corner of their home—in the silence where his laughter once echoed and in the spaces where his presence is sorely missed. Her son’s struggles highlight the often-overlooked impact of grief on young hearts, a poignant reminder of how deeply loss can resonate within a family.
As South Africa continues to honor Menzi Ngubane’s legacy as a talented actor, it’s crucial to remember the personal battle his family faces. Sikelelwa’s journey is one of resilience and strength, embodying the profound love and unyielding spirit of a woman determined to keep her husband’s memory alive. In sharing her pain, she offers a voice to others navigating similar losses, reminding them that they are not alone in their grief.