Outrage and Grief Over the Untimely Death of South African Actress Nandi Nyembe

Tue Sep 30 2025 10:57:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The cherished actress Nandi Nyembe's death has sparked public outrage and grief in South Africa, highlighting systemic issues in the support for artists.

Renowned South African actress Nandi Nyembe, beloved for her role in various television series, has passed away at 75, prompting widespread grief and anger over the lack of support for artists in the country. Nyembe's final months were marked by struggles as she sought financial assistance, raising awareness of the systemic issues faced by many creatives. Her legacy as a storyteller who inspired generations remains a focal point of public discussion.

The death of a much-loved star is normally followed by an outpouring of grief, but in South Africa, last week's loss of 75-year-old actress Nandi Nyembe also came with an outpouring of anger.

People were distressed that in the last months of her life, an obviously sick woman was reduced to appearing on videos appealing for financial help.

Sitting in a wheelchair, with thin, grey hair, wearing a loose T-shirt and fleece pyjama trousers, she said she did not like people feeling pity for her, but she needed money to cover the basics. Her biggest plea was for more work to support herself.

This was a far cry from her more famous screen appearances. As the lead in major television series over recent decades, her face became a familiar presence in many South African households. Respectfully known as mam'Nandi, her passing felt to many like losing a close relative.

A tribute released by her family and the government hailed her as the “very soul of South African storytelling,” indicating her influence extended far beyond acting. She was a teacher who inspired many young actors to dream beyond their circumstances.

Her death, following a lengthy illness, revived discussions about the lack of support available to South African artists unable to work, shining a spotlight on the struggles many face behind the scenes.

In South Africa, after an initial appearance fee, actors receive no royalties for subsequent broadcasts of their work. They are typically employed as freelancers, which can mean they lack access to benefits like pensions and health coverage.

Jack Devnarain, chairperson of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), lamented Nyembe’s public struggles in those final months, highlighting that “no amount of charity” can address the structural challenges within the creative sector.

Devnarain fondly recalled her warmth and generosity towards younger artists, reinforcing her status as a pivotal figure in the industry. Despite her legacy, he emphasized that “every single actor who is active in this country right now is on an inevitable path to where mam'Nandi was.”

Her family did their best to help her throughout her hardships. The actor’s guild has been advocating for legislative changes to create a safety net for artists, including bills aimed at ensuring that actors receive royalties for their work.

Despite progress, the struggle persists as these changes remain mired in bureaucratic hurdles. Devnarain voiced his concern that “the government has failed the entire sector and they have failed mam'Nandi.”

At a memorial service, actress Lerato Mvelase criticized the government’s lack of substantial support for artists, underscoring the urgency for policy changes to truly aid those in the creative industries.

Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie countered these claims, asserting that the government has been responsive to Nyembe's plight and is taking steps to better the conditions for creatives. However, any significant changes come too late for Nyembe.

Renowned filmmaker Angus Gibson shared that despite Nyembe's significant talent, it did not shield her from the harsh realities of life. Nyembe’s legacy is now a call to action for improved support for South African artists.