Nandi Nyembe, a prominent South African actress, passed away at the age of 75, prompting both grief and anger across the nation. Her final months were marked by her appearing in videos asking for financial assistance, showcasing the struggles she faced due to a long illness. In these videos, Nyembe, visibly unwell and in a wheelchair, made heartfelt appeals for work to support herself, contrasting starkly with her past fame as a leading figure in major television series.
Known affectionately as mam’Nandi, Nyembe’s death sparked discussions about the lack of support for artists in South Africa, particularly those unable to work due to illness. Industry representatives highlight that actors do not receive royalties from repeated broadcasts of their work and often lack pension and health benefits. Jack Devnarain, chairperson of the South African Guild of Actors (Saga), noted the structural issues within the creative sector and pointed out that many actors face similar fates as Nyembe over time.
Nyembe, born in 1950 in Soweto, began her career during the apartheid era, where she often faced typecasting and limited roles. Despite these challenges, she made significant contributions to theater and television, gaining recognition for her impactful performances, including a character in the HIV-focused drama “Soul City.” She was also celebrated for her role in the Oscar-nominated film “Yesterday.”
In light of her struggles, the actor’s guild has been working to introduce legal changes aimed at securing royalties for actors. Two bills proposed in 2017 intended to provide these rights are currently stalled, raising concerns among artists regarding their future livelihoods.
The government has acknowledged Nyembe’s plight, with Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie claiming ongoing efforts to improve conditions for creatives, even as critiques about insufficient protections linger. The conversation surrounding Nyembe’s legacy and the overall treatment of artists in South Africa continues to evolve.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78zp9ljl4yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss