South African acting icon Nandi Nyembe dies aged 75

JOHANNESBURG — 23 August 2025

Celebrated South African actress Nandi Nyembe, renowned for roles in ‘Isibaya’, ‘Yizo Yizo’ and Oscar-nominated film ‘Yesterday’, has died aged 75. The arts minister and Nyembe’s family confirmed her passing in a joint statement on Saturday.

The statement read: “It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe family, together with the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, announce the passing of one of South Africa’s most treasured icons of the arts, Mam’ Nandi Nyembe. Mam’ Nandi was far more than an actress; she was the very soul of South African storytelling. A teacher, a guide, and a mother to this nation, she carried our struggles, our laughter, and our victories through every performance with truth, dignity, and heart.”

Nyembe’s grandson Jabulani Nyembe shared the family’s grief: “Our hearts are broken as we share the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother, Nandi Nyembe. To the world, she was a gifted actress; to us, she was our everything. Her love, laughter and strength will stay with us always.”

Tributes flooded social media, with singer Cici commenting: “I’ll tell you what’s more painful than death, it is dedicating your life to your work but when the final curtain call comes you have nothing to show for it. Creatives really need to be treated better, especially actors. How long shall it be.”

Nyembe appeared in landmark productions including ‘Soul City’, ‘Zone 14’, ‘Jacob’s Cross’, and ‘Isithunzi’. Arts Minister Gayton McKenzie hailed her as “the soul of South African storytelling” who embodied the nation’s struggles and triumphs.