Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, known for her roles in major South African TV shows, has gone public about her financial struggles.
Nandi Nyembe opens up about her dire financial situation
In a video shared online, the 74-year-old star said she is battling to make ends meet and is also dealing with serious health issues. She is currently using a wheelchair and said her biggest wish is to get back to acting work so she can support herself.
In the video, Nyembe explained that she has spent about R88,000 on medical treatment for her son. She also said that while she is not asking for charity, she would be grateful for any help—especially groceries or job opportunities.
“I don’t believe in handouts,” Nyembe said.
“I know I can still work, I just need someone to give me a chance. Give me a script and I’ll show you I can still act.”
Her emotional plea quickly went viral, sparking a response from fans and the arts community. It also caught the attention of the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Gayton McKenzie steps in to aid SA icon
Minister Gayton McKenzie responded publicly to Nyembe’s call for help. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), McKenzie pledged to assist her directly.
He wrote: “We will fix the plight of our artists. We are hard at work already. These are the dying days of suffering for our creatives.”
He also personally asked for her banking details, saying he would send her financial support from his own funds.
Nyembe’s long career has made her one of South Africa’s most recognisable and respected television actors.
Over more than 50 years, she has starred in Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Isibaya, Gaz’lam, How To Ruin Christmas, House of Zwide, and The River.
She has also appeared in films like Yesterday and A Reasonable Man.
She began her acting journey under apartheid, where she was often cast in stereotypical roles. Frustrated by inequality in the industry, she turned to protest theatre, where she performed politically charged plays that were often broken up by police.
Today, despite her fame and experience, Nyembe’s story reflects a larger problem faced by many veteran South African artists—lack of financial support and job opportunities in their later years.
