If you are a big fan of television and have a liking for drama then you’ve probably watched one of South Africa’s top soapies- Uzalo and if you have, then you already know Gugu Gumede as Mamlambo and already love her for her epic performance on the show.
The beautiful and talented actress who only began her career a few years ago on Generations is one of the greatest stars to look out for in the film industry as she has already taken the industry by storm with only two roles to her name.
And while we know and love Gugu Gumede on TV, a look into her background also makes us relate to her more and love her more.
Losing a loved one is always tragic and heartbreaking, when you lose a parent, the pain is even worse. The glamorous 30-year-old actress understands this pain all too well as she has lost both her parents.
While her late mother was well-known, very little is ever said about Gugu Gumede’s father. Today we take a look at the great man who sired our great Mamlambo from Uzalo and discuss everything you need to know about him.
Who was Gugu Gumede’s father?
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Gugu Gumede’s father was the late Simon Hulumeni Gumede who until his untimely death was a very prominent leader and politician in South Africa.
The late Simon Gumede was a member of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) which he faithfully served for more than three decades and at the time of his death, he was the longest-serving party member.
Besides being a senior member of the IFP, Gugu Gumede’s father also served in the Umkhanyakude traditional council as chairman and he was described as an independent thinker.
Read also: Natasha Thahane’s parents.
Gugu Gumede’s father’s death
The 29th of August 2007 was a dark day for Gugu Gumede and her family as it was the day when her father, Simon Hulumeni Gumede, passed on in a tragic car accident.
According to police, Gumede was returning home from dropping off his children at school, when his car collided with a truck in Hluhluwe, Northern Zululand.
The collision made his car overturn and he instantly passed on while the truck driver survived with minor injuries.
His untimely death was not only a big blow to his family but also to the Zulu nation and South Africa as a whole and leaders came together to mourn the loss of the great man.
At the time of his death, Gugu Gumede’s father was only 58-years-old. The actress on the other hand was only 16.
Read also: Mihlali Ndamase’s dad.
What is the relationship between Pastor Alph Lukau and Gugu Gumede?
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A few years ago, rumours rocked the internet that Gugu Gumede and the senior pastor at Alleluia Ministries International- Alph Lukau were an item, this was after reports that the two were very close emerged.
If you are among the people who believed that Alph and Gugu had something more than a solid friendship going on then you will be disappointed to learn that the two are really just friends. In fact, the actress revealed that she considers Alph Lukau her spiritual father who took up the father role when her real father passed on.
Who was Gugu Gumede’s mother?
Like Gugu Gumede’s father, Gugu Gumede’s mother- Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi who passed on in 2021, was also a prominent politician.
She was also a member and chairperson of IFP before founding her own party National Freedom Party (NFP) where she served as chairperson until her death in 2021 following COVID-related complications.
We continue to pray for the departed souls of Gugu Gumede’s parents, as well as all our loved ones that we have lost along the way. May they all continue to rest well.