Late Nandi Nyembe’s family slams false rumors about Minister Gayton
The family of the late veteran actress Nandi Nyembe has spoken out following criticism directed at Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
This comes after Nyembe’s passing on Saturday, 23 August 2025, and her memorial service held on Thursday, 28 August.
Tributes poured in during the memorial, but tensions rose when her iCala co-star Lerato Mvelase accused McKenzie and his department of failing to support the actress.
Her remarks sparked heated debate online, with many echoing similar claims.
Nyembe’s family, however, used the platform to set the record straight.
In their vote of thanks, they clarified that McKenzie had been present and supportive since the day after the actress’s death.
“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 said.
Her son, Bongo Nyembe, also delivered a heartfelt tribute, saying, “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.”
Following the backlash, McKenzie addressed the matter, revealing that he had personally contributed to the actress’s welfare in the past.
He explained that he once donated R20,000 after she opened up about her financial struggles, and after her passing, he gave R10,000 towards funeral expenses.
