Nandi Nyembe’s Family Defends Gayton McKenzie Amid Neglect Allegations

The family of late veteran actress Nandi Nyembe has spoken out following allegations that Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie failed to support the beloved star.

Nyembe, best known for her memorable roles in Yizo Yizo, Isibaya, and iCala, passed away on Saturday, 23 August 2025. Her memorial service, held on Thursday, 28 August, was filled with emotional tributes from colleagues, friends, and fans.

Tensions, however, rose when her iCala co-star Lerato Mvelase accused McKenzie and his department of neglecting the actress in her final days. The comments ignited a heated online debate, with many echoing similar sentiments.

“We Are Grateful”: Nyembe’s Family Backs McKenzie

Nyembe’s family quickly moved to clarify the situation. Delivering a vote of thanks, they publicly defended the minister’s role in supporting them.

“We’ve been shocked to see posts online suggesting that the minister was not there for us. That is not true. He came to us, even on Sunday morning. And the department has been supporting us from the very beginning. We are not people who publicise what others do for us. But we want to make it clear we are grateful,” the family stated.

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Her son, Bongo Nyembe, also paid a moving tribute, celebrating both the public and private sides of his mother.

“To South Africa, she was an icon. To the world, she was a storyteller. But to us, she was simply Ma, our home, our anchor, and our light. Her love carried us through life, and it is that same love that will continue to carry us forward.”

Gayton McKenzie Responds to Criticism

Following the backlash, McKenzie personally addressed the claims. He revealed that he had helped Nyembe financially in the past, donating R20,000 when she confided about her financial struggles. After her passing, he also contributed R10,000 towards her funeral expenses.

 

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