South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has failed to honour his commitment to visit veteran actress Nandi Nyembe.
In April, McKenzie promised to personally check on Nyembe in Soweto after donating R20,000 to assist the Zone 14 and Yizo Yizo star during her financial struggles.
McKenzie made the donation after calling Nyembe from Cape Town and expressing his desire to visit her in two weeks.
“Send the lady your banking details, not anyone else’s. This is from me, my own pocket. I am sending you something to tide you over for the next two weeks,” said McKenzie.
Still a no-show
“I’m coming to see you, Mama Nandi, to make sure you’re okay,” McKenzie declared in a widely shared video call posted on X.
Yet, weeks later, Nyembe — a name that has been on our screens for more than 50 years — told Sunday World that she is still waiting for him to come, and she has not received updates.
On Tuesday, Nyembe told Sunday World that the last time she spoke to Mckenzie was on the video call, which trended on social media when he gave her R20 000.
“Nobody has called or said anything to me, so I am in the dark. I have already lost faith in politicians because the ANC said the same thing not so long ago, promising to assist me. There are so many people that come here and say the same thing,” lamented Nyembe.
“There was something happening in Durban which is ANC-related, but I refused when they wanted me to buy my own flight ticket to go attend when I am so broke.”
Chasing clout
Nyembe said she feels like many are claiming to want to lend a hand when they are just chasing clout.
She was recently taken to a popular Soweto eatery Disoufeng, where they held an event. But she said they have not gotten back to her regarding the event that was done in the name of raising funds.
Nyembe’s plight came to public attention through a viral video exposing her financial hardship. Her plight is worsened by health issues and medical bills for her son.
McKenzie swiftly responded, donating R20,000. He also promised ongoing support and earned praise, but critics now call it a publicity stunt.
Still battling
Nyembe has stressed her desire to work. “I need a script, not sympathy,” she said. And she remains in financial limbo without the promised visit or further aid.
This is not McKenzie’s first brush with unkept promises. Football fans also felt let down by McKenzie’s failure to revive Bloemfontein Celtic. His bold promise to restore the club’s glory sparked hope, but no progress has been made.
“He talks big, but where’s the action?” one fan posted on X, echoing widespread frustration.
McKenzie’s involvement in the Joshlin Smith case further damaged his reputation. In 2024, he offered a R1-million reward for the missing six-year-old’s safe return. He declared: “We won’t rest until Joshlin is found.”
Minister’s many blunders
However, his social media updates were criticised for spreading misinformation. DA leader Helen Zille warned that his actions “may have derailed the police investigation”.
McKenzie’s supporters defend his intentions. However, the pattern of empty promises from Nyembe’s unmet visit to the stalled Celtic revival and Central Karoo controversy, paints a troubling picture.
Also Read: Nandi Nyembe receives R20K donation from Gayton McKenzie
