RIP: Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe has passed away! One of South Africa’s legendary actresses, Nandi Nyembe has died.
In a joint statement, the Nyembe family and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, confirmed the news on Saturday evening, 23 August.
In a statement, the Nyembe family said their hearts are broken as they share the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother, Nandi Nyembe, known for her roles on Zone 14, Isibaya, and Soul City, among others.
Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe
The family said the 75-year-old’s art is eternal; her voice may now be silent, but her spirit echoes in every heart she touched.
“To the world, she was a gifted actress; to us, she was our everything. Her love, laughter, and strength will stay with us always. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time,” Nandi’s grandson Jabulani Nyembe said.
Meanwhile, the department expressed deepest condolences and gratitude.
“You shared a legend with us. Her loss is not yours alone, but a loss we all feel. South Africa bows its head in sorrow but also lifts its eyes in honour of the life she lived so powerfully,” Minister Gayton McKenzie said.
It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe Family, together with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, announce the passing of one of South Africa’s most treasured icons of the arts, Mam’ Nandi Nyembe. pic.twitter.com/oflFaFcgBX
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 23, 2025
Earlier this year, Nandi Nyembe appeared in a viral video in which she claimed that unemployment had forced her into dire circumstances.
She shared that her financial struggles began when she spent her savings, approximately R88 000, on her son’s medical treatment. Moreover, she did not have medical aid either.
“I don’t have money anymore,” the grey-haired, wheelchair-bound actress said.
However, Nandi insisted that she was not looking for handouts but pleaded for work.
She continued: “For people to feel pity for me, I don’t like it because I can do things. I don’t want [handouts], maybe groceries…I need to work. It’s not like my brain is dead. Give me a script, and I’ll show you.”
Following the viral video, Minister McKenzie, alongside other South Africans, offered generous donations to Nyembe.
“It is sad that our shows are being played all over the world, but we are not getting any royalties. We do not even have a pension fund in this demanding industry,” she told Sunday World.
In other news – Mafikizolo’s Theo Kgosinkwe and Vourne celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary
Well-known Mzansi singer Theo Kgosinkwe and his wife Vourne have marked a milestone in their relationship — their fifth wedding anniversary.
In celebration, the love birds took to Instagram to pen heartfelt messages to each other reflecting on five years of blissful marriage. In 2020 Theo proposed on Vourne’s birthday after they had been dating for two years. Read More
