The family of thespian Nandi Nyembe has described her as loving, caring, and giving. Nyembe died in hospital at the age of 75 after a long illness.

She’s known for her roles in various television drama series such as Zone 14 and How to Ruin Christmas.

Her grandson says they were on their way to visit her in the hospital when they received news of her passing.

“When we got the news, we were actually on our way to the hospital to visit her. How I describe her is as an individual who is full of life, who is extremely loving and caring, there is nothing that she wouldn’t sacrifice for us,” says Nyembe’s grandson.

Related video | Nyembe described as happy-go-lucky and a passionate person:

Nyembe inspired residents of Emdeni, Soweto, where she spent parts of her life. One of the residents Aaron Tshabalala, says,” I was proud of her. She put us on the map and showed that we have a star.”

Another resident Lazaros Mokoena adds that they were happy to see her on the television and aspired to her as a leader.

Mokoena says the late veteran actress was wheelchair bound in her later years, citing challenges with her health.

Related video | Tributes pour in for late actor Nandi Nyembe:

Seasoned professional

Industry colleagues describe her as a seasoned professional. Actor and director James Ngcobo states that Nyembe has an amazing exhibition of her talent. “She was not just an actor, she was a character actor. She was able to immerse herself in a story and was able to understand what a story needed from her and portrayed that with authenticity, which, for me, is not just a talented actor, but a clever actor,” Ngcobo elaborates.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has also hailed her as a treasured icon.

Arts and Culture Department spokesperson Zimasa Velaphi says, “Through her life work, she gave our people pride and our stories a purpose; her journey broke barriers, she inspired young actresses in villages and townships to dream beyond their circumstances.”

The family says funeral arrangements are still underway and has thanked the country for opening their hearts and homes to the legend.

Media Statement
23 August 2025

Joint Statement by the Nyembe Family and the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture on the passing of Nandi Nyembe

It is with profound sorrow that the Nyembe Family, together with the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture,… pic.twitter.com/9NP21yyQYU

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) August 23, 2025