Christmas With The Ngubanes

This festive season is extra-special for actor Menzi Ngubane and his family as they put his ill health behind them and celebrate in style.  

- Molife Kumona

HE PLAYS the hardcore villain – rough, tough, and totally ruthless.

Luckily, that’s just his on-screen persona. In reality, we know he’s one of the good guys.

Sure enough, when we head to the In daba Hotel to meet legendary actor Menzi Ngubane, we see just what a big softy he is.

DRUM joins Menzi, his wife, Siki, and their younger daughter Ziyan da (8) for a chat ahead of their Christmas festivities. Their 18-year-old daughter, Siya, couldn’t join us as she had more urgent things to attend to.

There’s real love and warmth between this family – a far cry from Menzi’s most famous role, playing his vile character, Ngamla on the SABC1 soap ie Generations, known for his tagline “Uzozisola” (you will regret it).

In fact, Menzi is a doting husband and dedicated dad, which also makes him the perfect subject for our Christmas cover shoot. The whole family symbolises the real meaning of Christmas.

“He is such a loving man and an amazing father,” Siki confirms. “He is a gentle and strong man. A lot of people don’t expect it of him, but that’s exactly who he is.”

THIS is a special time of year for them all. “Christmas equals family time,” Menzi tells us. “That’s the theme every year at our home.”

His wife agrees. “It means celebrating and enjoying time with loved ones,” Siki says.