RIP: Veteran Actress Nandi Nyembe Has Passed Away at 75

RIP: Veteran Actress Nandi Nyembe Has Passed Away at 75

  • Legendary actress Nandi Nyembe, who is famously known for her roles in Adulting, Yizo Yizo, and Isibaya, has died
  • The family of the veteran thespian confirmed her passing in a statement on Saturday, 23 August 2025
  • South Africans took to social media over the weekend to pay tribute to the former Isithembiso and Soul City star

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SA mourns the thespian
Nandi Nyembe dies at 75. Image: NandiNyembe
Source: Instagram

The family of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe confirmed in a joint statement with the Department of Sports and Arts Culture that the beloved actress has passed away.

Nyembe, who previously made headlines when she asked for donations on social media, was 75 years old at the time of her death.

The former Soul City actress, who appreciated Mzansi for helping her with her finances, died in her home on Saturday, 23 August 2025.

"It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe Family, together with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, announce the passing of one of South Africa’s most treasured icons of the arts, Mam’ Nandi Nyembe," reads the statement on X.

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Jabulani Nyembe, who is the grandson of the actress, says their hearts are broken as they share the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother, Nandi Nyembe.

The family expresses gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

Briefly News will give an update on the actress's memorial and funeral as soon as possible.

Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela announced Nyembe's passing on his X account on Sunday morning, 24 August 2025.

South Africans pay tribute to the actress

@actorspaces commented:

"The loss of a giant will be felt far beyond what we can see or explain. Nandi Nyembe’s contribution is imprinted in our theatres, sets, and books, a thespian of note and a true joy to be around.We stand in applause for your final curtain call. Your impact lives always."

@mohohlo_lerato wrote:

"This woman raised us😢. May her wonderful soul rest in peace."

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@Dima_Nkese said:

"She practically raised us😪. May her beautiful soul rest in peace 🙏."

@soso_spayi reacted:

"I first saw her on Soul City. She was a true Legend. Rest in peace, Mama.💔🕊️"

@TheOnlyLelethu wrote:

"Oh, God, I loved her so much. She was beautiful and down to earth. The best in the industry, Fly high, Mom Nandi 🕊️🕯️💔."

@Zikhona16858101 commented:

"Hawu bakith, (guys) she was old and God blessed us with such a wonderful human being, and she will always be remembered in many ways of life. Rest queen, siyabonga uThixo," (thank you God)♥️💔.

@Reloadedd94 replied:

"Nandi Nyembe and Connie Chiume worked together on Zone 14 as rivals. They carried the industry as veteran actresses who fought for actors' rights to earn royalties in such a lucrative business that was ruthless 💔. RIP legengs (06.08.2024)/(23.08.2025) 🕊️"

@Tshepo8500 responded:

"These are deeply disturbing, sad news. May her soul rest in peace."

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SA reacts to actress's death
South Africans pay tribute to the star. Images: NandiNyembe and JabuMcdonald
Source: Instagram

Nandi Nyembe is grateful for SA’s love and support

In more entertainment news, Briefly News previously reported that Nandi Nyembe expressed gratitude for the support she received from South Africans after opening up about her financial struggles.

The beloved star was honoured at a special event in Soweto on 28 April 2025, where the public is invited to celebrate her remarkable legacy.

Fans have expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, with some suggesting it should become an annual event to recognise industry veterans like Mam' Nandi Nyembe.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Rae Seleme avatar

Rae Seleme (Entertainment editor) Rae Seleme is a seasoned entertainment writer who kickstarted her writing career on TVSA. She has published articles on Iharare, ZAlebs, The South African before joining Briefly News. Rae obtained her BA Media Studies degree at the University of Limpopo, a copywriting postgraduate diploma from AAA School of Advertising and a PGCE at Unisa. Email: contact@briefly.co.za

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