South Africa is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most cherished actresses, the legendary Nandi Nyembe.
Affectionately known as Mam’Nandi, the veteran performer passed away on August 23 at the age of 75, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans more than five decades in the entertainment industry.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday at The Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg, a fitting venue for a woman who embodied the spirit of the arts.
The theatre, long a home for cultural storytelling, mirrors the authenticity, depth, and grace Nyembe consistently brought to her craft.
The memorial service will not only celebrate her extraordinary body of work but also her role in breaking barriers and nurturing future generations of storytellers.
Unforgettable performances in iconic television series such as Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Isibaya, and House of Zwide marked Nyembe’s career.
On the big screen, she captivated audiences in films including the Oscar-nominated Yesterday.
Health, financial challenges
Her ability to portray strong, complex, and deeply human characters made her a household name and a role model for countless aspiring actors.
Details of her funeral service, scheduled for Saturday from 7am to 10am, are still being finalised, and the venue has yet to be confirmed.
Nyembe family members have requested privacy as they make these final arrangements. Since news of her passing, tributes have poured in from across the country.
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture hailed Nyembe as “the very soul of South African storytelling”, while colleagues and fans have remembered her warmth, professionalism, and the wisdom she generously shared with younger performers.
Despite facing health challenges and financial struggles in her later years, Nyembe’s resilience and dedication to her craft never faltered.
Her journey has sparked renewed calls for greater support structures for artists in South Africa.
