The South African maskandi community is in mourning following the sudden and devastating loss of four talented dancers from the crew of well-known musician Sibonelo “Khotha” Hlongwane. The fatal accident occurred on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, claiming the lives of five people in total.
The group was travelling from a performance, heading towards Johannesburg, when tragedy struck. The dancers were in a red Nissan Magnite that collided head-on with a VW Polo. Khotha, who had been scheduled to travel later, narrowly avoided being part of the accident himself.
Among the victims was five-year-old Mnotho “Nkunzavava” Mngomezulu, the youngest member of the crew, whose electrifying stage presence and natural rhythm had quickly earned him admiration from fans across the country. The other dancers who lost their lives were Lungelo Makhunga, Sthabiso Mahlangu, and Musa Mngomezulu. Their untimely deaths have left a void in both the artistic and personal lives of those who knew them.
Speaking to Daily Sun, an emotional Khotha described the deep pain of losing so many members of his team in a single moment. “Nkunzavava was like a child to me. His father told me how much he loved my music and wanted to work with me. This accident happened when we were on our way home after a gig,” he explained.
Khotha further revealed that three passengers in the Nissan Magnite survived the collision — his wife, his daughter, and another dancer — but they remain in critical condition in hospital. “In the accident, I lost four dancers. I’m struggling to come to terms with this. It’s something I can’t put into words,” he said.
Reflecting on Nkunzavava’s unique gift, Khotha recalled being constantly amazed by the boy’s talent. “I was amazed by his genius. I wonder if there was anyone like him in the past. Now I see that God was nurturing his talent, knowing He’d take him early,” he said solemnly.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the maskandi industry, with fellow musicians, including Khuzani Mpungose and Big Zulu, taking to social media to express their grief and extend condolences to Khotha and the victims’ families. Fans have also flooded online platforms with heartfelt tributes, sharing videos and photos of the dancers’ performances.
Community members from Bergville and beyond have described the accident as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life. For many, the tragedy also highlights the dangers faced by musicians and performers who frequently travel long distances for gigs, often late at night or in challenging driving conditions.
As investigations into the cause of the collision continue, preparations for the victims’ funerals are already underway. Friends, family, and fans are expected to gather in large numbers to celebrate the lives of the four dancers who brought joy, energy, and cultural pride to the stage.
For Khotha, the road ahead will be one of healing, but the memory of Nkunzavava and his fellow dancers will remain forever etched in his heart — a reminder of the short yet impactful lives they lived in service of their music and art.
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