The memorial service of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe was supposed to be a dignified celebration of her illustrious career, but it turned into a fiery showdown when actress Lerato Mvelase unleashed her anger at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
The event, held at the Market Theatre on Thursday, honoured Mam’ Nandi, who died last week at age 75. Yet, moments after Sibusiso Tsanyane delivered a speech on behalf of Minister Gayton McKenzie, Mvelase stormed to the podium and tore into the government’s empty promises.
Department no longer welcome
“Please do tell the minister that going forward, artists will no longer allow the department to come celebrate with us. We are not fighting the department. But we are fighting with the system that has been putting actors down our whole lives,” she declared to loud applause.
Mvelase went further, demanding real policy change instead of recycled speeches.
“I would have loved to hear a speech that speaks not on promises made by the minister but works on adjusting or changing the policies in place. How long must we hear the same speech? How long must we have the same engagements about the need for policy structures that are going to protect us as actors?
“It is a lullaby, what you said right now. And I can assure you wherever Mam’ Nandi is, her heart was not happy. I am not happy. We are not happy,” she said, her voice trembling.
Mvelase further went on to urge actors not to put blind faith in the industry and to always have a plan B.
“We have been sold a dream that will never be realised. Until we have regulations and policies that put our needs and careers in the same light as other industries,” she added.
Broken promises
Her scorching words echoed the frustration many feel following revelations that Nyembe never received the aid promised to her earlier this year. Minister McKenzie had vowed to assist her after a viral video revealed her financial struggles. But the help never came before her passing.
While Mvelase’s outburst dominated headlines, the memorial also carried touching tributes. Filmmaker Angus Gibson delivered an emotional reflection on her nurturing presence on set. He worked with Nyembe across multiple productions.
Gibson spoke about the days of Yizo Yizo and Zone 14. He candidly revealed how toxic dynamics on Isibaya had made the set difficult.
“We had a tough time on Isibaya. We had a cast that did not like each other, which made it an unhappy set. So, when we went on to Isithembiso, it felt important for me to have people at the centre who would be nurturers. And so, it was important for me to call Nandi in,” Gibson shared.
Nurturing spirit remembered
He described how Nyembe stepped in as a mentor to young, sometimes unruly actors.
“We had very young actors who were starting out. They behaved badly sometimes, but Nandi took them in hand. Saturdays she would teach them how to deal with the huge attention that comes with television. And also the skills of being a great actor,” he recalled, his voice heavy with emotion.
The Market Theatre was filled with fellow actors, family, and fans who celebrated Nyembe’s five-decade career. From her fearless roles in Yizo Yizo and Zone 14 to her last appearance in Adulting.
