Nandi Nyembe’s death renews industry reform calls

The South African Guild of Actors says the passing of veteran actress, Nandi Nyembe, has once again exposed the deep structural failures within the country’s entertainment industry.

Affectionately known as Mam Nandi, Nyembe passed away over the weekend at the age of 75 — just four days after celebrating her birthday.

She had been wheelchair-bound in recent months due to deteriorating health.

Renowned for her powerful performances in iconic series such as Soul City, Zone 14, Yizo Yizo, and Isibaya, Nyembe is being remembered as a cultural icon and trailblazer who paved the way for many.

Tragically, just four months before her death, Nyembe revealed she was facing serious financial difficulties and had appealed for assistance — a reality that highlights the lack of long-term support for artists in South Africa.

This is sad msebenzi woku act awukho right ngala 💸😔 💔 pic.twitter.com/YK9uB1P6b8

— OmhleOmdeOpholileyo (@LoenzOmde) April 1, 2025

Speaking to YNews, Chairperson of the SA Guild of Actors and fellow actor, Jack Devnarain, says it’s deeply unfortunate that Nandi Nyembe’s story mirrors that of many late legends, including Charlene Surtee Richards, Michelle Botes, and Darlington Michaels, whose legacies continues to generate profit for broadcasters, while their families receive nothing.

Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has joined the growing call for policies that guarantee actors and actresses receive royalties for their work — both during their lifetimes and posthumously.

FOSA leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, says the most meaningful way to honour Nandi Nyembe’s legacy is by safeguarding the dignity and financial sustainability of future generations of performers.

Some social media users have criticised Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, for not implementing adequate measures to protect actors from financial hardship — both during and after their careers.

Just a few months ago, she had to go on social media to beg for assistance to be able to pay her medical bills. Something that should never have happened had your department cared enough to protect actors by ensuring bargaining rights and copyrights to their work. https://t.co/pdlN0qOA9t

— Moe Suttle (@moesuttle) August 23, 2025

Just support the bill and let the president sign it, and then you won’t have to worry much about a lot. You won’t even have to do much in the art once you’ve supported the bill, and it is signed.

You would’ve done something great that’ll last in South African Entertainment

— Swiiiiiiiiiiiiiidad🇳🇦👊🏾🇿🇦 (@Swiiiiiiidad_7) August 24, 2025

I’m going to ask u this question again..what legislation are you proposing in Parliament that will ensure actors earn royalties? That industry is a crime scene… It’s sad to see very talented people who’ve been on our TV screens for decades die poor because of exploitation.

— linda (@lindamagalakanq) August 23, 2025

Tributes for the late star, whom many regard as one of the best storytellers, continue to pour in on social media.

Fellow veteran actress, Nambitha Mpumlwana, says she learned a lot from ‘Mam Nandi’ and watched many other industry colleagues soak up knowledge from her.

@zukilemajova2

Actress Nambitha Mpumlwana hopes that President Cyril Ramaphosa will sign the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill in honour of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe. Actors are dying poor with no pension. But what can be done and how can further regulations do for the creative industry? #BreakingNews #eNCA #viraltiktok

♬ original sound – ZukileMajova

The loss of a giant will be felt far beyond what we can see or explain… Nandi Nyembe’s contribution is imprinted in our theatres, sets and books, a thespian of note and a true joy to be around.

We stand in applause for your final curtain call.

Your impact lives always.… pic.twitter.com/usyqdNfbfD

— Actor Spaces (@actorspaces) August 23, 2025

THE MK PARTY PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MAM’ NANDI NYEMBE: A PILLAR OF SOUTH AFRICAN STORYTELLING pic.twitter.com/hGnXU50OHQ

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) August 25, 2025