28.04.2025
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Veteran actor Don Mlangeni-Nawa laid to rest in Johannesburg

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  • Funeral Service of Don Mlangeni-Nawa

4 minutes

Veteran actor Don Mlangeni-Nawa was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Saturday. The award-winning actor lost the fight to prostate cancer last week at the age of 65.

He was described as a loving father and a great mentor during his funeral service in Alberton.

His daughter Alwande Nawa, pained by seeing a loving father in a casket, says she will always cherish the moments they spent together.

“He was a great mentor, a great music body, a great pool guy, and he was a loving father. It’s painful to see him lie in a casket because the reality is now sinking in. I’ve distracted myself for a week now getting everything prepared, but it’s real now. Daddy, wherever you are, please know that I love you so much. I love you with every single part of me.”

Mlangeni-Nawa’s lastborn son Ulubanzi was with his father when he took his last breath.

“My dad was my dog. I will always be thankful that he managed to tell me that he loved me. I love how God brought me and my father full circle. He held me in his hand when I was brought into this world. And I held him in his hands when he entered the kingdom of God.”

WATCH: Don Mlangeni-Nawa | A true force in the world of  TV and stage

A grieving wwife,Regina is grateful to those who supported her husband during his battle with prostate cancer.

“I have witnessed the journey of the deformation of his health. But I wasn’t alone; I was with government officials, politicians, artists, and ordinary masses. So I’m here to say thank you! My husband had prostate cancer. The first chemo was not successful. The second one became so aggressive to his body. Chemo resulted in him generating a lot of water in his body. He was in and out of the hospital to an extent, he was discharged so he could pass on at home.”

While acknowledging the battle against death, fellow actor Koketso Semoko also celebrates Mlangeni-Nawa’s enduring legacy and contribution to storytelling.

“Still, I’m certain that you lost and death won. I’m consoled in knowing that you played your music and danced to the tune of your God-given talents for decades, your melody was sweet and enticing, as it was witnessed by all who adored your talent and admired you and admired your ability to tell stories with passion. I know that heaven is richer and comes to you amongst the most brilliant talent that crossed over. I am sure the angels are singing aloud as they dance to a fine-tuned tenor as God watches over your fine art mural creations.”

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula says Mlangeni-Nawa will be remembered for mentoring young artists and his profound impact on South African theatre and television.

“A flag bearer of our nation who flew our nation’s flag high as an artist par excellence. Every role he inhabited was a testament to a living archive of South Africa’s pain and promise. With each performance, you wove the fabric of our nation, threats of sorrow and resilience of injustice and indomitable hope. He was more than an actor. He was a chronicler whose stage was a sacred ground where history and humanity collided, born into a land fractured by injustice.”

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi was also devastated by the loss.

“I’ve lost the person who believed in me so much. I’ve lost the person who cared for me. I’ve lost the person who did things for me when I least expected him to do. A few days before his final call, he video called me, excited and happy that he was recovering once more. He committed his love for work in government, and he also persuaded us to ensure that we give support to those who need support.”

LaQhasa, Zeb, Bra Sugar, or Bra Don, as he was affectionately known, has answered the final curtain call. He has been laid to rest at the Westpark cemetery in Johannesburg.

 

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