RIP Nandi Nyembe: Gayton McKenzie Called Out for Not Helping Late Actress
- Gayton McKenzie is once again facing backlash on social media. This time, he was criticised for allegedly failing to help Nandi Nyembe when she was alive
- Before her tragic death, the late actress begged fellow South Africans for financial assistance. This, according to online users, is something Gayton and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture should have done
- The minister was slammed and accused of only caring for actors and artists after they've hit rock bottom or passed away
Source: UGC
In light of actress Nandi Nyembe's tragic passing on Saturday night, 23 August 2025, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie received a lashing on social media.
Nyembe passed away at 75 years old after her health declined. McKenzie took to Twitter (X) to pay his respects to the late Zone 14 actress in a heartfelt message, referring to her as a "treasured icon":
"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
However, it wasn't long before another user named moesuttle slammed McKenzie's tribute message by accusing him and his department of failing the actress:
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"Just a few months ago, she had to go on social media to beg for assistance to be able to pay her medical bills. Something that should never have happened had your department cared enough to protect actors by ensuring bargaining rights and copyrights to their work."
Source: UGC
Months prior to her death, in April, the veteran actress pleaded for financial assistance due to health issues and financial hardship
Briefly News published a video of Nyembe asking for help from the online community, who eventually came through for her.
Meanwhile, the publication revealed that the Minister of Sports donated R20,000 to the veteran actress, promising continued support and a much-publicised visit.
However, McKenzie later left Nyembe high and dry, something she told Sunday World she had grown accustomed to:
"Nobody has called or said anything to me; I am in the dark. I have already lost faith in politicians because the ANC said the same thing not so long ago, promising to assist me."
On 14 August, actor Glen Gabela went viral in a video pleading for donations due to financial hardship. The Minister made a promise to take action, describing Gabela's situation as "extremely sad."
However, as more and more industry veterans face adversity, social media users said McKenzie and his department are all talk and no action.
Find out what social media said to Gayton McKenzie
Online users shook their heads in disappointment at Gayton McKenzie, accusing him of failing Nandi Nyembe and the industry at large:
EverythingSA1 said:
"Has there ever been a greater clout chaser like this clown? Everything that trends, he gets himself involved and promises people things, but when it's time to deliver, he hides his gap and keeps quiet. We need to shame people who support this PA nonsense."
BOYZA_T asked:
"Did you ever go see her as you had promised?"
Abutimangmang slammed Gayton McKenzie:
"Performative care is what you specialise in, you charlatan."
Source: Getty Images
ThandoZ_Amon posted:
"You are the Minister of Sport and Culture, yet you still did nothing to support her and countless artists like her. She struggled financially in her final months, wheelchair-bound without medical aid or royalties after 53 years in the industry."
supernova_kr was curious:
"How has your office made means to support ailing actors? Sending your condolences when she has been needing aid for months doesn’t mean much."
The_Thuls added:
"You failed her."
South African stars pay tribute to Nandi Nyembe
In an earlier report, Briefly News shared celebrity reactions to Nandi Nyembe's death.
Actress Sannah Mchunu was among the stars who were heartbroken by the late Yizo Yizo actress's death, and took to social media to express her grief.
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Source: Briefly News
