KZN filmmaker Khethiwe Ngcobo showcases her mother's legacy in new documentary at UK festival
Zikethiwe Ngcobo's documentary And She Didn't Die explores the extraordinary life of her mother, Lauretta Ngcobo.
Image: Supplied
A new documentary produced in KwaZulu-Natal is set to make its international debut at the Sheffield Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom next month.
And She Didn't Die, created by filmmaker Khethiwe Ngcobo, is a deeply personal tribute to her late mother, Lauretta Ngcobo, the renowned author, political activist, and former KZN Legislature member.
The documentary aims to preserve the legacy of a woman whose voice has helped shape the country's political and literary history.
The film has been made possible with funding from the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), whose mandate is to grow the province's creative economy and promote local storytelling.
'We are incredibly proud to support this documentary, and Ms Ngcobo's work embodies the kind of creative excellence and cultural preservation that the Authority stands behind,' said Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of KZNTAFA. 'She Didn't Die is more than a documentary; it is a powerful archive of South African memory, heritage, and identity, told brilliantly by a KZN filmmaker.'
The documentary draws inspiration from Lauretta's landmark novel And They Didn't Die and will have its debut screening at the Sheffield Documentary Festival which takes place from June 18 to 23.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The Ngcobo family with Lauretta Ngcobo, centre, seated, and from back left, Zabantu Ngcobo, Nomkhosi Ngcobo, AB Ngcobo and seated on the floor Nonhlanhla Williams and Zikethiwe Ngcobo.
Image: Supplied
It will have its South African premiere at the Encounters International Documentary Festival from June 19–29 in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
'This film would not have been possible without the support of the KZNTAFA,' said Ngcobo. 'They have been a consistent ally in my creative journey, and their support has allowed me to bring this deeply personal and nationally significant story to life.'
Shot in uMzimkhulu and around Inanda Dam, the film features archival footage and interviews. It stars Lemogang Tsipa and Busisiwe Mtshali.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
5 hours ago
'What happened to her face?': Amor Vittone questioned over new look
Singer and actress Amor Vittone is accused of overusing filters – or possibly going under the knife – after she posted a picture of her seemingly youthful face on her Facebook account. The 53-year-old entertainer is the widow of the late Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen. They share two children. In a recent Facebook post, Amor Vittone posted a picture of herself with a motivational message. In the picture, the mother of two appeared noticeably younger, with immaculate make-up, smooth, clear skin, and a wrinkle-free face. Under the post in the comments section, Amor's followers questioned her polished appearance… Christa Binedell: 'This does not look like her?' Dawn Goosen: 'What has she done to her face?' Kearns Lawrence: 'It's not you!' Annalien Matthysen: 'Is this AI?' Loving the winter sun! … Posted by Amor Vittone on Tuesday 3 June 2025 While Amor Vittone has dated a plastic surgeon, she has been adamant that she hasn't had any. Late last year, the mother of two shut down speculation about her appearance. In the comments section of one of her posts, she posted: 'Kan julle net relax! Nie Botox of fillers nie. [Can you relax! No botox or filler]. Instead, she credited her picture-perfect snaps to 'good make-up and lighting with slight filter' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Rolanda Marais reveals the real scoop in 'Die Nuusmakers': a dramatic dive into journalism
Rolanda Marais stars as television news anchor Adri Joubert in 'Die Nuusmakers.' Image: X 'Die Nuusmakers', the brand-new Afrikaans drama, has viewers on the edge of their seats as the local drama delves into the frantic world of news journalism. The kykNet show, which premiered last week, is created by Both Worlds, the production team behind the wildly successful show, 'Recipes for Love & Murder'. Produced and written by Karen Jeynes, the star-studded cast includes industry heavyweights such as Rolanda Marais, who takes on the leading role of Adri Joubert, a television news anchor whose idyllic life is turned upside down by a tragic accident. She is joined by Brendon Daniels, who is no stranger to South African screens, having starred in 'Four Corners' and 'White Lies', as well as Arno Greeff from 'Blood & Water'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The rest of the cast includes Roeline Daneel, Lea Viviers, Chris van Niekerk, Christia Visser and Heinrich Wentzel. Together, they provide insights into what goes on inside a newsroom at one of the nation's biggest networks. The cast does a stellar job of reflecting the life of a journalist, where the stakes are high and every second counts. At the centre of it all is Adri, a seasoned anchor with over two decades of television experience. Referred to as 'the nation's darling', she lives an idyllic life in upmarket Johannesburg. She spends her mornings jogging through her leafy suburb, stopping to chat to her neighbours in her gated community along the way. She then has breakfast with her devoted husband Dawid (Herbst), her teenage son Daniel (Wentzel) and her elderly father Lourens (van Niekerk) before arriving at the television station. With her only concern around ageing and a younger anchor taking her coveted spot, Adri has the picture-perfect life. But her world is shattered when she faces a personal tragedy, making her life a news story in its own right. As her story is set to unravel as more episodes of 'Die Nuusmakers' drop weekly, Marais explained that the show is already resonating with viewers. 'Many of us watch the news every day, but we don't have a clue what goes on behind the scenes,' she explained in regards to why she believes the story has been gripping the nation. Rolanda Marais stars as television news personality Adri Joubert in 'Die Nuusmakers.' Image: Instagram. In regards to how this project is different to anything else she has worked on previously in her career, the actress said: "It felt tangible that it was a lot more real than other series or films that I've done.' 'This series touches on issues that South Africans really have, and it makes it so much more current and real.' Marais, who has several accolades under her belt, including a Fiesta Award, a Kanna prize and a Vita Award, amongst Silwerskerm Film and AKTV nominations for Best Actress, has featured in a string of productions. She is best known for her role as Stefanie Malherbe in the kykNET soapie 'Binnelanders' and is also renowned for starring in 'Boy Kills World', 'Poppie Nongena' and 'Wolwedans in die Skemer'. After landing the 'Die Nuusmakers' leading role, Marais is counting her blessings. 'I feel extremely lucky to be able to work in an industry that is really struggling.' She is also thrilled about taking on this character. 'To portray an incredibly strong, talented and focused woman is so important because young women may watch the show and feel empowered, knowing that it could be them one day,' Marais believes. She added that she decided to be part of this show because she was inspired by its story. 'I loved the concept from the word go. When I received the audition brief, I felt drawn to the character and knew I could deliver a performance that would serve her.' 'Adri was nicknamed 'ratel', which is a type of snake, because she is fearless and passionate about journalism and about getting behind the truth of every story.' 'I am, like Adri, also passionate about my work and I am a hard worker and have a wicked sense of humour. Adri loves jogging but I despise it so shooting those scenes weren't exactly fun,' Marais admitted. She also resonates with the show's themes, which she believes is 'choosing the truth, no matter what and rediscovering one's passion.' 'From great sorrow, beauty and wonder can rise, and South Africans will definitely find resonance in most of these themes.' Marais's advice for aspiring actors is profound yet simple: "Be very sure why you want to be an actor. If it is for fame, money and recognition, don't do it. "If it is a burning, yearning passion to tell stories, like fire in you, go do it, but be prepared to work hard and often get very little recognition." "Keep on trying, be curious about people and be kind and humble." ∎ New episodes of 'Die Nuusmakers' air on Tuesdays at 8pm on kykNET (DStv channel 144).
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Cameron Hanekom shines in URC awards as South African players dominate Elite XV Team of the Season
The accolades keep rolling in for Bulls No 8, Cameron Hanekom, after a brilliant season. He was named in the URC Elite XV on Wednesday and scooped the Next-Gen Player award. Image: BackpagePix South African players continue to dominate this season's United Rugby Championship (URC) awards with no less than seven named in the URC Team of the Season on Wednesday. Bulls No 8 Cameron Hanekom, also named as Next-Gen Player of the Season, alongside teammates props Wilco Louw and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Stormers' flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and the Sharks' Andre Esterhuizen made it into the Elite XV of the tournament. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Bulls, playing in a consecutive semi-final on Saturday, and Munster lead the race with three players each in the side, while Leinster and the Scarlets follow with two. Double World Cup-winning Springbok, RG Snyman, is one of the Leinster players, and Bok hopeful, hooker Marnus van der Merwe, represents the Scarlets. Hanekom, nominated for the SA URC Player of the Season award as well, has set the rugby field alight since his breakthrough last season and continued his fine form for the Bulls, despite some niggling injuries. Louw, nominated as SA URC Player of the Season, and Wessels have been the chief destroyers in the scrum for the Bulls. Feinberg-Mngomezulu was a fresh breeze in the competition and has entertained supporters in the Stormers' flyhalf jersey after taking over from the injured Manie Libbok. While an injury also impacted a part of his season, Esterhuizen has been a consistent performer in the backline of the Sharks throughout the season. With two awards behind his name, Hanekom will look to make it a third for the vital SA Player when he goes up against Louw and Feinberg-Mngomezulu for it. Another Stormers star of the past season received a URC accolade with lock Ruben van Heerden named as the Tackle Machine award winner. This award is given to the player who boasts the best tackle success rate among those who have attempted 150 or more tackles over the course of the season. ⚡️ @TheStormers' Ruben van Heerden was tackling anything that moved this season 💥 1️⃣7️⃣1️⃣ Tackles 9️⃣7️⃣.7️⃣% Accuracy#URC | #URCAwards — Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial_RSA) June 3, 2025
