What a sad way to end women’s month 💔😢RIP to Thabiso Sikwane & Jessica Mbangeni.Heartfelt Message from Menzi Ngubane’s Widow Reveals Deep Struggles: “The Kids Are Struggling, the Younger One Has Lost Weight”
The passing of beloved South African actor Menzi Ngubane in March 2021 sent waves of grief across the nation. At the age of 56, Menzi, known for his iconic roles in television dramas, succumbed to a stroke, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans and the entertainment industry. But perhaps the greatest impact of his loss is felt in the quiet moments of his family’s life, where the absence of a father and husband is a wound that time has yet to heal.
Two years after his untimely death, Menzi’s widow, Sikelelwa Sishuba, remains engulfed in sorrow, her heart still aching with the pain of his departure. On what would have been Menzi’s birthday, Sikelelwa took to social media to share a deeply emotional message dedicated to her late husband. Her words, a poignant reflection of enduring love and profound loss, reveal the raw grief that she and her children continue to grapple with daily.
“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 in her tribute, accompanied by 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.”
These words, filled with longing and heartache, capture the unimaginable pain of losing a partner who was the center of her world. Sikelelwa’s wish to rewind time, to hold him just once more, resonates with anyone who has faced the devastating reality of death.
“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 lines are not just a tribute to a loved one who has passed; they are a cry from the depths of a heart still broken, still yearning for the comforting presence of a husband who is no longer there. The grief, so palpable in her words, underscores the ongoing struggle of moving forward while holding on to the memories of a life that was cut short too soon.
In a candid interview with TshisaLIVE, Sikelelwa opened up about the challenges she faces as a single mother, trying to hold her family together in the wake of Menzi’s death. The pain is not hers alone; it is shared by her children, who are navigating the difficult journey of growing up without their father.
“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 revealed, her voice carrying the weight of her sorrow. “ABut while Sikelelwa has found some measure of strength to talk about Menzi, the impact of his absence on their children is a constant source of worry. Her youngest son, in particular, has struggled to cope with the loss, his grief manifesting in ways that are painfully visible.
“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 words paint a vivid picture of the day-to-day reality of life without Menzi. The void he left is not just emotional—it is physical, felt in the emptiness at the dinner table, in the quietness of a home once filled with his laughter. Her youngest son’s loss of appetite and weight loss is a heart-wrenching symptom of the deep emotional turmoil he is enduring, a stark reminder of how grief can affect even the youngest members of a family.
This ongoing struggle is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Menzi Ngubane’s loss—not just on his fans and the entertainment industry, but on the family he left behind. Sikelelwa’s story is one of resilience in the face of overwhelming sorrow, a testament to the strength required to carry on when the person you loved most in the world is gone.