McKenzie Responds To Lerato Mvelase’s Criticism Over Nandi Nyembe Memorial: Full Details Of Support

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has hit back at accusations of abandoning the late actress Nandi Nyembe. His response comes after actress Lerato Mvelase publicly criticised him at Nyembe’s memorial service on Thursday, 28 August 2025, sparking heated online debates.

Taking to his official X page the same day, McKenzie emphasized that he had actively supported Nyembe both during her life and after her passing. “I will never take this abuse and lies.

“Upon hearing of the dire situation of Ma Nandi Nyembe, I immediately sent her R20,000; she thanked me profusely. Upon being notified of her death, I took the first flight out of Cape Town to visit the children. I was warmly received,” he wrote.

Financial and Personal Support for Nandi Nyembe’s Family

McKenzie detailed several ways he assisted the Nyembe family during their time of need. In addition to the initial R20,000, he contributed another R10,000 to help with funeral expenses.

He also facilitated the transfer of Nyembe’s body from a state morgue to a private mortuary, responding to the concerns of the actress’s daughter.

“The daughter seemed very concerned about the body of her mom at the state morgue. I made a few calls, and the body was moved to the mortuary which will bury her. Without anyone asking me, I gave her daughter another 10k for cakes and tea for the guests who will visit the house,” McKenzie explained.

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Beyond financial contributions, McKenzie ensured that the family received hands-on assistance throughout the funeral week. He made his driver and another aide available to support the family, while his department covered the full cost of the funeral.

“I made my driver available full-time until the funeral to drive them anywhere they wish to go. I also made another person available to assist the family during this difficult week. @SportArtsCultur paid for the full funeral,” he confirmed.

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