When the country heard of Menzi Ngubane's passing, tributes poured in especially from people in the entertainment industry as well as his industry colleagues. One person he shared a huge amount of screen time with was his onscreen son Qaphela, played by Abdul Khoza. But he did not utter a word on his social media platforms.
The actor did however attend his memorial service as well as his funeral and shared a few words there. Fast forward to a few months later after Menzi's historic win at this year's SAFTA awards, he finally gained the courage to share a few words - and more tears!
The late Menzi Ngubane who contributed immensely to the arts industry won a SAFTA for the Best Actor in a Telenovela. This award was in recognition for his role on the former Mzansi Magic telenovela Isibaya, where he played Judas Ngwenya.
His widowed wife accepted his award with a moving speech “I know your death was not only our loss, but the people’s loss as well because you’re very much loved. I’m grateful that at last your work has been recognised and honoured and today you are receiving this Safta. We are also grateful as your family. We will always remember you and miss you. Rest in peace my husband,” she said.
When that iconic win happened, Abdul Khoza took to Instagram to share that he cried tears of joy because the late actor got his much deserved flowers.
"I have never posted since I lost you @menzingubanesa & many will never understand what you meant to me. But I finally cried tears of joy when I finally witnessed your flowers on this year's SAFTAS. So I just want to say siyabonga SOMAHASHI for everything you gave us with each breathe you took with your unmatched talents in this industry.
"Today I can only share the song we made together as father & son, whilst playing those roles on screen too. @bomb_productions & @isibayamzansi thank you for giving me a father & mentor in the industry.
"Ngwenya family & my extended Isibaya family as a whole, I love each & everyone of YOU. To everyone who loved & supported this legend & his work, and thank you. BEST MALE ACTOR!! Long Live SOMAHASHI!!" he wrote.
