“Sarafina!” Playwright Denies Sexual Harassment Claims

Renowned playwright, Dr Mbongeni Ngema, has denied allegations that he sexually harassed and intimidated the cast members of his production, “Sarafina!”.

According to reports, he and his assistant manager, Sam Madikane, were recently served with removal notices by the Joburg Theatre management, who had received complaints from the cast members about the pair’s alleged actions.

These actions include 64-year-old Ngema “professing his love” to a young female cast member and threatening those who witnessed their non-existent “relationship”, and Madikane entering the room of another female cast member who was getting dressed at the time.

Speaking to a media outlet, Ngema blasted the claims.

He said: “[The allegations] have hurt my wife and children, and have the potential to take away from the hard work done by the cast of “Sarafina!”, who have worked tirelessly to put on a world-class production.”

The playwright added: “I am of the opinion that there is a concerted effort … to assassinate my character through a series of concocted allegations and disinformation in the media.”

An internal investigation by Joburg Theatre is currently underway.

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