Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe dies at 75

JOHANNESBURG — 24 August 2025

South African acting legend Nandi Nyembe has died at age 75, her family and the arts department confirmed on Saturday.

Nyembe starred in iconic shows like “Zone 14”, “Yizo Yizo”, “Soul City” and “Isibaya”.

In recent years, the award-winning actress had been in a wheelchair due to her declining health (source not provided).

Actress Candice Modiselle (now Sello) shared a tribute featuring a decade-old video of them dancing together. Candice wrote: “My words are few. @rbkgosimore sent me this the other day from almost 10 years ago, and to say I’m gutted is an understatement. Rest now Ma. The credits have rolled, the curtains have closed. We love, honour and cherish you always.”

The family and Department of Sport, Arts & Culture stated: “It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe family, together with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, announce the passing of one of South Africa’s most treasured icons of the arts, Mam’ Nandi Nyembe.”

Nyembe’s memorial will be held at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre on Thursday, 28 August at 11:00. Her funeral follows on Saturday 30 August with the venue still unconfirmed.

Fans and industry colleagues flooded social media with tributes, honouring her lasting impact on South African television.