Lerato Mvelase Slams Gayton McKenzie and Department of Sports at Nandi Nyembe’s Memorial Service

• Lerato Mvalase criticised Minister Gayton McKenzie at the late actress Nandi Nyembe's memorial service
• At a packed hall filled with peers and loved ones, Mvelase slammed the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and his department for their empty promises and demanded justice for the creative industry
• This comes after it was revealed that Nyembe had not received the donations meant to aid her financial burden

What was meant to be a day to celebrate the life of one of South Africa's most esteemed actresses, the late Nandi Nyembe, took a turn when Lerato Mvelase turned her anger into activism.

The veteran actress tragically passed away on 23 August 2025, and her memorial service, held on Thursday, 28 August, was attended by loved ones, including acclaimed stars and politicians.

The Deputy Director at the Department of Arts and Culture, Sibusiso Tsanyane, was there to deliver a speech on behalf of Minister Gayton McKenzie. Just as he concluded, actress Lerato Mvelase took to the podium to unleash fury on the department.

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Sunday World reports that Mvelase tore into the Department for failing to support actors:

"I would have loved to hear a speech that speaks 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? We are fighting with the system that has been putting actors down our whole lives."

She continued, backed by loud applause, that until there was a change, the department was not welcome to celebrate and honour fallen stars:

"Please do tell the Minister that going forward, artists will no longer allow the department to come celebrate with us. We have been sold a dream that will never be realised. And I can assure you, wherever Mam’ Nandi is, her heart was not happy. We are not happy."

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Her scathing speech comes on the heels of the revelations that the donations meant for Nandi Nyembe never reached the veteran actress before her passing.

Briefly News previously reported on the Minister's R20,000 donation and scheduled visit to the late actress. It was later revealed that neither the money nor the check-up made it to Nyembe.

As tensions rise, many South Africans have called out Minister McKenzie on his failure to appropriately support and uplift creatives. And as more stars continue to lose their livelihood, many have also lost hope in there ever being a change.

True Love Magazine and Twitter (X) user MpumeeMagagula shared videos of Mvelase's powerful speech.

Social media reacts to Lerato Mvelase's speech

South Africans were moved to tears by Lerato's words and praised her for standing up not only for Nandi Nyembe but for other actors. Read some of their comments below:

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lekgethoshaii declared:

"I love Lerato Mvelase!"

moshoenemoshabi said:

"Direct all your emotions to @CyrilRamaphosa! This appointment of @GaytonMcK will be regarded as the worst and weakest by our President. @CyrilRamaphosa still won't fire this thug! So disappointing!"

TheRock47868403 slammed Gayton McKenzie:

"We seriously have a clown for a minister in this department. Always chasing clout."

Gayton McKenzie confirms he helped Nandi Nyembe

Gayton McKenzie took to his X account to pour cold water on the allegations that he never helped Mam'Nandi Nyembe after promising to give her R20K when she opened up about her financial struggles.

McKenzie also revealed that he flew to Johannesburg from Cape Town after hearing of the veteran actress' passing. In addition to the minister's post, the late Adulting actress' family confirmed that McKenzie fulfilled his promises to her. Speaking at Nandi Nyembe's memorial service, the family expressed shock over the allegations that McKenzie did not help them.

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They also took the opportunity to thank Minister Gayton McKenzie for his assistance, love and support during the difficult time.

Nandi Nyembe falls ill on set

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Nandi Nyembe speaking about working in harsh conditions.

The late veteran actress addressed the poor work environment that led to her ill health, saying her bosses paid little to no mind to her and her castmate's well-being.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News