The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is saddened by the death of veteran football
administrator, Actor and Events Director (Master of Ceremony), Ndumiso Gumede (76) who
passed away in Bulawayo yesterday after a short illness.

By Nicholas Moyo, Director _ National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

Gumede was a prolific actor who featured in several local film and television productions. He first got involved in acting through the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio dramas where he was part of the cast of “Sakhelene Zinini” written by legendary broadcasters Harry Nleya and Amon Nyamambi.

His first foray into film was when he did the choreography for the uprising song in the 1987
epic drama film, “Cry Freedom”, directed and produced by Richard Attenborough.

In front of the camera, his major break came when he landed the role of a priest counselling a
new couple on how to avoid catching HIV in “Xola” written by Busi Dlodlo. He then appeared in several other local productions including including “More Time” in 1993 where he played the role of Baba Ncube.

In 2000, Gumede played the role of Coach in “Yellow Card” directed by John Riber with Leeroy Gopal as the main actor also featuring the late Lazarus Boora “Gringo”.

Gumede was also an entertaining Master of Ceremony who entertained guests and livened up
events whenever he took charge of the microphone.

The death of Ndumiso Gumede has robbed the nation of a multi-talented individual who excelled in acting where his natural flair and passion brought a sense of reality to the parts he played on screen.

Nicholas Moyo

His untimely demise painfully came at a time when he had become a fountain of wisdom for
many upcoming artists who looked up to him for advice and inspiration in their careers.