The Market Theatre Foundation mourns the passing of Sibusiso Ndumndum.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that The Market Theatre Foundation announces the passing of Sibusiso Ndumndum, who not only is a graduate from The Market Theatre Laboratory but who worked effortlessly as the Technical Manager of the Ramolao Makhene Theatre for 12 years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his three children, family, friends, colleagues, the artistic community, the theatre tech community and the many cohorts of Market Lab students whom he has without a doubt, left an extraordinary mark on.
Throughout his time at The Market Theatre Laboratory, Sibusiso brought not only his technical excellence in ensuring our theatres and venues are well managed and maintained but he too designed the lighting for all student productions, including Kwasha productions. Sibusiso was a master at capturing the essence of a story, a moment in time, a characters inner world, all by the flick of a switch, bringing to our stages what felt like a magical well organised kaleidoscope of colours and reflections. And at times his lighting designs would ensure that even the terrible work was beautifully lit.
Sibusiso gave not only of his time, knowledge and creativity to our theatre tech world, but he was a beloved mentor to every technical intern he had under his wing and to every student that passed through The Market Lab doors. He will be lovingly remembered for intentionally working towards the development of the next generation of female technicians, knowing how male dominated the industry already is. And those who had the privilege of learning from our illuminating technician, are now tasked with shining his light in every corner of every dark theatre they encounter.
We will remember Sibusiso Ndumndum, affectionately known as Ta S’buda by many, for his laughter, his jingling set of keys, his vast taste in music, the way he commanded theatre spaces, his genteel approach to on-the-job training and his celebratory smile and enthusiastic energy at the end of every show and event hosted at The Market Theatre Laboratory.
When Sibusiso left The Market Lab in March 2025, our hearts shattered, unable to make sense of this first and sudden departure from our industry, he comforted us by telling us he was in search for peace. Now, our dear brother, we hope you have found that peace. We will hold your spirit in our prayers, as we ask that your soul rests peacefully and that your light continues to radiate in all of our hearts.
The celebration of Sibusiso Ndumndum’s life will take place on Saturday 19 July, the service will start at 11h00 at 233 Area 1 Eastonside in the Vaal, followed by his burial at 13h00.
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