South Africa Mourns the Loss of Veteran Actress Nandi Nyembe at 75
Natalie Nyathi
South Africa is in mourning following the death of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, who passed away yesterday, at the age of 75. Her family and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture jointly announced her passing, celebrating her as a treasured icon and “the very soul of South African storytelling.”
Born on August 19, 1950, in Kliptown, Johannesburg, Nyembe’s career spanned decades, beginning in 1971. She became a household name through her powerful performances in numerous television series, films, and theatre productions. Some of her most memorable roles include Nandi Sibiya in the sports drama Zone 14, Sister Lizzie in Soul City, and Lily in the iconic drama Yizo Yizo. She also starred in films such as Saturday Night at the Palace, A Reasonable Man, and Yesterday.
Nyembe’s early life was marked by challenges, and she spoke about how the apartheid regime often led to her being typecast as a maid. This inequality fueled her involvement in protest theatre, where she used her talent to fight for the rights and representation of Black actors.
In addition to her acting career, Nyembe was also a sangoma, or traditional healer, having undergone initiation at the age of 17. She spoke about experiencing a serious illness that she believed was connected to her ability to communicate with spirits.
In recent years, Nyembe had been using a wheelchair due to deteriorating health. Earlier in 2025, reports circulated about her facing financial difficulties, and she expressed a desire for work opportunities rather than charity, stating, “I don’t want people to pity me. I can still do things on my own. My knees may not be working, but my mind is sharp. Give me work! I am not looking for handouts.”
Despite these challenges, Nyembe’s legacy as a talented and inspiring actress remains. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised her as a resilient woman who broke barriers and inspired countless young actors, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Her grandson, Jabulani Nyembe, shared that the family is heartbroken by her passing but will always remember her love, laughter, and strength. “To the world, she was a gifted actress; to us, she was our everything,” he said.
The cause of Nandi Nyembe’s death has not been officially revealed. However, her impact on South African storytelling and her influence on generations of actors will be remembered for years to come.
