By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Through heartwarming memories and solemn reflections, industry legends gathered to honour the late Nandi Nyembe at The Market Theatre in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Nyembe, a veteran of stage and screen, passed away at the age of 75 on Saturday.
Soft, soothing melodies played in the background as portraits of Nyembe took centre stage with bouquets of white lilies and candles.
The Market Theatre was filled with fellow actors, family, and fans who celebrated Nyembe’s five-decade career.
She’s been described as “the soul of South African storytelling” and a “teacher and guide” in the arts.
Talented actress Lerato Mvelase urged fellow actors not to put blind faith in the industry and to always have a plan B.
“We have been sold a dream that will never be realised. Until we have regulations and policies that put our needs and careers in the same light as other industries,” she added.
Her words echoed the frustration many feel following revelations that Nyembe never received the aid promised to her earlier this year. Minister Gayton McKenzie had vowed to assist her after a viral video revealed her financial struggles. But the help never came before her passing.
Filmmaker Angus Gibson delivered an emotional reflection on her nurturing presence on set. He worked with Nyembe across multiple productions.
Gibson spoke about the days of Yizo Yizo and Zone 14. He candidly revealed how toxic dynamics on Isibaya had made the set difficult.
“We had a tough time on Isibaya. We had a cast that did not like each other, which made it an unhappy set. So, when we went on to Isithembiso, it felt important for me to have people at the centre who would be nurturers. And so, it was important for me to call Nandi in, “Gibson shared.
He described how Nyembe stepped in as a mentor to young, sometimes unruly actors.
“We had very young actors who were starting out. They behaved badly sometimes, but Nandi took them in hand.
Saturdays she would teach them how to deal with the huge attention that comes with television. And also the skills of being a great actor,” he recalled, his voice heavy with emotion.
Actor Themba Mfebe told mourners that Nyembe’s contribution to the industry through the arts and film, TV, theatre and literature, spanning decades, would forever be cherished and deeply engraved in their hearts.
“What a superstar,” he said.
He said he enjoyed Nyembe’s work throughout his childhood, from local productions like Soul City and Yizo Yizo.
“She had this super power to not just make other actors around her look good, but she made everybody around her look good,” he said.
He said it was only a dream come true that he had to work with her on Showmax Adulting.
Mfebe said artists fly the country’s flag high as they become the ambassadors of the nation’s brand. He appealed for government assistance to nurture young talent at the grassroots level.
“I further appeal for the government to protect us, to protect our rights from, among other things, exploitation and tackling unfair rates,” he said.
He added that there was a need to urgently discuss unresolved challenges related to intellectual property rights for the benefit of artists.
Throughout her remarkable 53-year career, Nyembe has brought to life some of the most iconic characters in South African television.
Nyembe was best known for her role as Nandi Sibiya on the soccer drama Zone 14 and for her role as Sister Lizzie on the SABC1 drama series Soul City.
She is also known for her starring role as Lily in the iconic SABC1 drama series Yizo Yizo (2001-2004) and the leading character in the SABC1 sitcom Izoso Connexion, from 2006-2007.
Her film credits include the role of Sangoma Rachel Ndlovu in A Reasonable Man (1999), Miriam in Saturday Night at the Palace (1987) and a sangoma in Yesterday, in 2004.
In 2007 she began starring in the drama series Jacob’s Cross, playing the role of Thembe Makhubu. Other starring television roles include Gogo in Soul Buddyz, Ntshebo Maloka in Hillside, Big Jo in Erfsondes, Ma ka Brian in 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls and a guest starring role in The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
She has also played a multitude of memorable roles, including Dolly on Mzansi Magic’s “Isithembiso”, MaZwide on “House of Zwide” and Gog’Mkhithi on “Isibaya”.
Nyembe funeral service will be held at the Walter Sisulu hall in Randburg, and she will be laid to rest in West Park Cemetry on Saturday.