Documentary celebrates the life of South African activist Lauretta Ngcobo

Locally produced documentary, And She Didn’t Die, a poignant tribute to the producer’s mother, who was a renowned author, political activist, and parliamentarian, has garnered international acclaim.

The production, And She Didn’t Die, produced by filmmaker Kethiwe Ngcobo, is about her mother Lauretta Ngcobo, who was a renowned author, political activist, and parliamentarian, served in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature from 2000 to 2009.

The documentary will have its debut screening at two prestigious festivals in June, namely the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival in Cape Town and Johannesburg; and the Sheffield Documentary Festival in the United Kingdom.

Drawing inspiration from Lauretta’s novel, And They Didn’t Die; the documentary captures the life of a woman whose voice and legacy continue to shape South Africa’s literary and political landscape.

Lauretta passed away in 2015 and production for the documentary started in 2016 and is being completed for their June screenings.

Ngcobo said a major part of the film was filmed in KwaZulu-Natal where her parents grew up.

Through archival material, interviews, and visuals shot in uMzimkhulu and around Inanda Dam, the film not only honours Lauretta’s legacy but also elevates the broader narrative of South African women's resilience during and after apartheid.

"I included footage of my mother and me, which was filmed 20 years ago. My mum was a feisty woman who became a feminist. In her novel she talked about rural women. I wanted to make a film about her life," she said.

Ngcobo said her great grandmother, grandmother and mother, who all attended Inanda Seminary, were all storytellers and had vast knowledge.

"I am honoured that the film has been selected to debut at the festivals. The Sheffield Documentary Festival is the third-best documentary festival in the world.

Ngcobo's father, Abednego Bhekabantu Ngcobo is played by Lemogang Tsipa (who acts as Shaka in Shaka Lembe) and her mother is played by the famous actress Busisiwe Mtshali.

The production was made possible through financial support from the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, whose mandate is to drive the development and global visibility of the province’s film and tourism sectors.

Sibusiso Gumbi, acting CEO for KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority said their investment in the film reflects its broader commitment to empowering local storytellers and ensuring authentic, homegrown content reaches both domestic and international audiences.

“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. And 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," said Gumbi.

Through the former KZN Film Commission, now known as the KZN Tourism and Film, it has disbursed R90 million to film makers in the province.

It has also disbursed 200 bursaries to students and supported 11 SMMEs in the film sector.Gumbi said through projects like this documentary they continue to position KwaZulu-Natal as a hub for world-class storytelling.

Ngcobo, who has built a career on telling socially relevant and emotionally layered stories, said the film would not have been possible without the support of KZNTAFA.

“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,” she said.

Ngcobo is currently producing Nomvula, a musical about a young woman’s quest for education during the apartheid era, which is also supported by Tourism and Film Authority.

Another of her projects, Betting on Football, is a heartwarming comedy centered on a family’s mission to reclaim a prized football memorabilia item.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE