The memorial service for beloved South African actress Nandi Nyembe turned unexpectedly tense this week as fellow actress Lerato Mvelase publicly criticized Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie.
The controversy stems from claims that the Patriotic Alliance leader failed to adequately support Nyembe during her final days.
Heartfelt Tributes Overshadowed by Criticism
Nyembe, who passed away over the weekend, was honored with touching tributes at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre.
While the service celebrated her life and career, the presence of the Department of Sport, Art and Culture sparked debate over the government’s role in supporting artists.
The funeral, set to take place this weekend at a location yet to be disclosed, will be fully funded by the department.
Lerato Mvelase Calls Out Empty Promises
Moments after an official read a speech from Minister McKenzie, Mvelase took the stage to voice her frustrations.
She urged the minister to deliver meaningful support rather than ceremonial gestures.
“Please do tell the minister that going forward, artists will no longer allow the department to come celebrate with us,” she said.
“We are not fighting the department. It is a fight with the system that has been putting actors down our whole lives.”
Mvelase challenged the minister to implement concrete policy changes rather than offer repeated promises.
“I would have loved to hear a speech that speaks not on promises made by the minister but works on adjusting or changing the policies in place.
How long must we hear the same speech? How long must we have the same engagements about the need for policy structures that are going to protect us as actors?” she said.
She concluded her speech with a heartfelt note on Nyembe’s legacy:
“It is a lullaby, what you said right now. And I can assure you wherever Mam’ Nandi is, her heart was not happy.
I am not happy. We are not happy.”
Gayton McKenzie Responds to Criticism
Hours after the memorial, Minister McKenzie took to Facebook to defend his actions and address the criticism.
He outlined his personal support to Nyembe, stating that he had sent her R20,000 for food and medication and personally visited her family after her passing.
He also highlighted additional assistance he provided, including R10,000 for the memorial’s refreshments and logistical support from his driver and assistants.
McKenzie clarified that the Department of Sport, Art and Culture would cover the funeral expenses.
Without directly naming Mvelase, McKenzie addressed detractors:
“I now see some artists that were nowhere to be seen when [Nyembe] needed help are now everywhere where there are cameras lambasting me and telling lies,” he wrote.
He added, “You can try to paint me as uncaring.
But I am not the type of person who can walk away from a dire situation, doing nothing, whilst I have a few coins to assist. I can’t let these lies continue.”
