Nandi Nyembe’s passing reignites debate on fair pay for South African actors

South Africans are mourning the death of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, whose career spanned more than 50 years on stage and screen. Her family confirmed her passing on Saturday evening in a joint statement with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

Minister Gayton McKenzie described her as a national treasure, saying the country bows its head in sorrow while honouring her contribution to the arts. For many, though, Nyembe’s death has also highlighted the struggles of actors who spend decades entertaining audiences but leave the industry without financial security.

“She didn’t want charity, she wanted to work”

Earlier this year, a video of Nyembe went viral where she spoke candidly about her difficulties as an older actor. Speaking from a wheelchair, she insisted she still had the ability to perform and didn’t want to rely on handouts.

“I need to work. If I’m sitting here, it’s not like my brain is dead. Give me a script and I’ll show you this brain is so alive,” she said in the clip.

Her words struck a nerve in the industry. Jack Devnarain, chair of the SA Guild of Actors, reflected on her message after her death. “Mam’Nandi was prepared to ask for acting work, even though we knew she shouldn’t have to. She wanted to work, not be dependent on charity. That speaks to the dignity of many performers in the same position,” he told Newzroom Afrika.

The bigger picture: actors and unpaid royalties

Nyembe’s situation is far from unique. Actors such as Uzalo’s Glen Gabela have also had to appeal for financial help recently, exposing the fragile livelihoods of many performers.

At the heart of the debate is the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill (PPAB), currently awaiting review by the Constitutional Court. The Bill, along with the Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB), seeks to secure royalties for actors whenever their work is broadcast, sold, or streamed.

For someone like Nyembe, whose career stretched over decades of television and film appearances, such royalties could have made a huge difference. “She could’ve been earning a steady income from the work she did 30 years ago,” Devnarain explained. “That money could have supported her healthcare instead of leaving her to struggle at 75.”

South African Guild of Actors’ Jack Devnarain has criticised Sports and Arts Minister, Gayton McKenzie for opposing the Copyright Amendment Bill, which will secure royalty rights for performers. He says late legendary actress #NandiNyembe, whose career spanned 50 years, could… pic.twitter.com/CD82j9v3Hl

Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 24, 2025

Politics stalling progress

While the Bills have passed through Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa has raised concerns about their constitutionality. He referred them to the Constitutional Court, arguing that retrospective clauses might disrupt existing copyright ownership. Production companies currently hold most of these rights, and they have resisted changes that shift income toward performers.

Adding to the frustration, Devnarain pointed out that Minister McKenzie has opposed the Bills, despite acknowledging the financial plight of actors. This has left many in the industry questioning whether politics is being prioritised over performers’ welfare.

A cultural icon whose story reflects an industry crisis

Nandi Nyembe’s death is not only a personal loss for her family and fans but also a reminder of the systemic issues in South African entertainment. Despite being a household name and a beloved screen presence for decades, she faced the same challenges as countless lesser-known actors: irregular work, no residual payments, and minimal financial security.

Fellow actress Nambitha Mpumlwana added her voice to the discussion, noting how common these struggles are across the industry. Public reaction on social media has also shown a mix of grief and anger, with many fans calling for urgent reform to protect the people who bring South African stories to life.

Tributes continue to pour in for legendary actress Nandi Nyembe, who died at the age of 75. Her family and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, confirmed the veteran’s passing in a joint statement issued last night. Actress and activist Nambitha Mpumlwana reflects on… pic.twitter.com/OGMRKxaCv8

Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 24, 2025

Why this matters now

The debate over PPAB and CAB is not just about legislation. It’s about whether actors who dedicate their lives to the craft will have dignity in their later years. Nandi Nyembe’s story has pushed this issue into the spotlight once more, and the question remains: how many more veterans must leave us before real change happens?

{Source: TheCitizen}

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