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Late actor Nandi Nyembe.
Creative director and producer Angus Gibson has paid tribute to the late veteran actress Nandi Nyembe at her memorial service at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg.
The award-winning actress died last week at the age of 75 after her health started deteriorating.
Media Statement
23 August 2025Joint Statement by the Nyembe Family and the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on the passing of Nandi Nyembe
It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe Family, together with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture,… pic.twitter.com/9NP21yyQYU
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 23, 2025
Nyembe was best known for her iconic roles as Nandi Sibiya on Zone 14 and sister Lizzie in Soul City.
Gibson says Nyembe was a towering figure whose talent shined brightly on our screens and captivated audiences.
He says he knew he had struck gold when he first saw Nyembe perform on stage in the early eighties and admired her ability to mentor upcoming actors.
“We were working five days to six days a week and she would offer her Saturdays to train beginner actors on how to deal with the huge attention that comes with television and impart the skills of being a great actor. So, she was constantly giving. Nandi always presented a great side until her back was against the wall.”
LIVE | The memorial service of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe is underway at the Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg. She passed away on Saturday at the age of 75. Tune in on SABC News Channel 404 or watch on our SABC News YouTube page. pic.twitter.com/I4Rxm5sXPT
— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 28, 2025
Talent agency, MLA’s Victorius Molutsi says the late veteran actress’ artistry was remarkable and hard to miss.
Molutsi says Nyembe was the heartbeat of South African storytelling.
“The industry feels emptier without her voice, laughter and fire. She was the very soul of South African storytelling, a teacher, mentor, mother figure and a valued part of our MLA family. Mam Nandi’s professional debut came in 1979 right here at the Market Theatre shortly followed by an international tour of London, France and Germany with Sophiatown in 1980. She was meant to be a performer and loved it with all her heart. It was without a doubt in her DNA,” says Molutsi.
Mourners are attending legendary actress Nandi Nyembe’s memorial service at the Market theatre in Johannesburg.
Soft, soothing melodies play in the background as portraits of Nandi Nyembe take centre stage with bouquets of white lilies and candles.
Mourners, including some of the great actors she worked with, are in attendance at the Market Theatre to pay their last respect to this legendary actor.
Nyembe solidified her footprint in the acting fraternity with a career spanning over four decades.
She will be greatly remembered for outstanding artistry and the passion she poured into every role.
