RIP Nandi Nyembe: A Look at the Late South African Actress’s Roles

• The South African film industry recently lost one of its brightest stars, the legendary Nandi Nyembe
• The actress was celebrated throughout the country for her captivating performances that are still talked about to this day
• As fans continue to mourn her loss, we look back at some of her unforgettable roles that have made her a household name

South Africa is mourning the loss of the late veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, who died on 23 August 2025 at the age of 75.

Famous for her roles as Lily on Yizo Yizo and Nandi Sibiya on Zone 14, which captivated audiences in the early 2000s, Nyembe quickly became a household name who would star in later productions.

But her acting pursuit didn't start in the 2000s. With a career that spans three decades, Nyembe has starred in world-class productions from the 1980s and received praise for her incredible performances.

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We take a look at some of the memorable film and TV roles she played throughout her career:

1. How to Ruin Christmas: The Funeral

Nyembe starred as everybody's favourite gogo, Gogo Twala, whose poor judgment led her to entrust the rebellious Tumi Sello to help her feel alive again. Sadly, their plan to brighten the cancer-stricken gogo's life ended in tears.

In an April 2025 interview, Nyembe did not shy away from addressing the poor working conditions on How to Ruin Christmas, which ultimately led to her illness:

"It was cold, we were shooting in June. I got on set, and there were no heaters or anywhere to warm ourselves up between takes; we sat outside, and I got sick. When they sent me flowers, telling me to get better, did you think it did anything for me? No, I threw them away. Take me to the doctor."

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2. Reyka

She took on the role of a housekeeper on the drama series, acting opposite fellow actor Vusi Mdiniso. The show received two nominations at the 2022 International Emmy Awards and won four awards at the South African Film and Television Awards that same year.

In an old interview with Bona Magazine, Nyembe shared how she used to always be cast as a maid in auditions because of the apartheid regime.

3. Icala

The comedy series saw Nyembe tap into her comedic side to deliver a world-class performance alongside Bheki Sibiya and Lerato Mvelase.

Posted by Mzansi Magic, the trailer was met with cheer from viewers. In recent replies, fans gathered to pay their respects to Nyembe with heartfelt messages:

ittss_kaybee said:

"May your soul rest in peace."

mhlanga_sindisiwe paid her respects to Nandi Nyembe:

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RIP: Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe has passed away at 75

"Oh, gogo, good night! Thank you for sharing your life and talent with us."

sjphotografi wrote:

"Rest in peace, ma."

4. The Mysterious Cube

The South African sci-fi series starred Nyembe and other stars, including Aya Msani as well as her former The Coconuts co-star Luthuli Dlamini.

The show received critical acclaim from viewers who were dazzled by creators TQ Zama and Mesheck Saikonde's incredible work.

Gayton McKenzie slammed for Nandi Nyembe tribute

In an earlier report, Briefly News revealed the backlash faced by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, following Nandi Nyembe's death.

Social media users criticised the minister for breaking his promise to support the late actress, saying he used her debilitating health as an opportunity to chase clout.

Source: Briefly News