Legendary actress Nandi Nyembe passes away
Earlier this year, people widely circulated a video of wheelchair-bound Nandi Nyembe describing her struggles and declining health.
Legendary South African actress Nandi Nyembe has died, the Nyembe family and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed in a joint statement on Saturday evening, 23 August.
Although they did not disclose the cause of death, they revealed that the veteran actress, whose television career spanned more than 50 years, had been unwell for some time.
NANDI NYEMBE HAS DIED
In a statement, the Nyembe family expressed their heartbreak over the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother, Nandi Nyembe, remembered for her roles in Zone 14, Isibaya, and Soul City, among others. They said the 75-year-old’s artistry lives on; though her voice is now silent, her spirit continues to resonate in the hearts 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.
DETERIORATING HEALTH AND FINANCIAL WOES
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.