Born in Kliptown, Johannesburg on 19 January 1950, Nandi Nyembe spent her early years moving between places like Botswana and East London before settling into her burgeoning passion for storytelling and performance.
Remarkably, at just 17, she began her sangoma initiation after a serious illness—discovering a spiritual calling that shaped her inner world.
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A Storied Career (1970s–2025)
With a career spanning over five decades, Mam’ Nandi graced stage, screen, and soul with unforgettable authenticity.
Iconic roles include:
Sister Lizzie in Soul City
Lily in Yizo Yizo
Nandi Sibiya in Zone 14 (2001–2012)
Dolly on Isithembiso
MaZwide in House of Zwide
MaGetty on Adulting
And many others across Isibaya, How to Ruin Christmas, Jacob’s Cross, Yesterday, Reasonable Man, Saturday Night at the Palace, and more.
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Personal Life & Challenges
She had one daughter, Nomvelo Makhanya—an actress and singer—who briefly followed her path in spiritual practice before stepping away.
As her health declined, Mam’ Nandi became wheelchair-bound, facing rising medical bills and diminishing work opportunities. Brave and dignified, she publicly shared:
“I want a script, not sympathy. My brain is not dead.”
She had used about R88,000 for her son’s treatment, draining her savings—and yet, she longed not for charity, but for the chance to continue her craft.
In April 2025, the community rallied behind her at a heartfelt tribute dinner—“A Toast to Life”—in Soweto, where her contributions were lovingly celebrated.
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Farewell & Lasting Legacy
Mam’ Nandi passed away on 23 August 2025, aged 75. Her passing was solemnly announced by both her family and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, who hailed her as “the very soul of South African storytelling.”
Her memorial service was held at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre—where her artistic journey began—followed by a funeral at West Park Cemetery.
In the aftermath of her death, tributes flooded in:
From Actors Spaces: “The loss of a giant… Nandi Nyembe’s contribution is imprinted in our theatres, sets, and books.”
From her grandson, Jabulani: “To the world, she was a gifted actress; to us, she was our everything.”
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