Nandi Nyembe Remembered: Fans and Stars Celebrate a Life of Legacy
- On Saturday, the Nyembe family and the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announced that veteran actress Nandi Nyembe has died at 75.
- Facing declining health, Nandi Nyembe had been confined to a wheelchair and lacked medical aid, warning Sunday World that the industry has no pension fund to support performers.
- With a career spanning decades, Nyembe was best remembered for roles such as Nandi Sibiya on Zone 14 and Sister Lizzie on Soul City, earning acclaim in South African entertainment.
- The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Nyembe family said their hearts are broken, praising Mam’ Nandi as South Africa’s treasured arts icon and thanking the public for support.
- Her legacy continues to inspire young actors in villages and townships, while her concerns highlighted the South African entertainment industry’s lack of pension fund and royalties, she told Sunday World.
Tributes are pouring in across social media following the passing of beloved actress Nandi Nyembe, who became a household name through her iconic roles in television dramas like Yizo Yizo and Zone 14.
The veteran actress’s death was confirmed by her family in a joint statement with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture on Saturday.
Nyembe, aged 75, leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances spanning more than five decades.
“Her journey broke barriers. She inspired young actors in villages and townships to dream beyond their circumstances, showing them that greatness isn’t defined by where you come from, but by how deeply you’re willing to give of yourself. Mam’ Nandi gave us everything,” the statement read.
Following her passing, ordinary South Africans and industry mates have taken to social media to express their sorrow and celebrate her life.
Actress Zenande Mfenyane shared a personal memory of Mam’ Nandi Nyembe’s care and concern during her pregnancy.
