By Rorisang Modiba
- Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced a mentorship programme to honour Don Mlangeni-Nawa’s impact on young artists.
- Mlangeni-Nawa’s widow Regina spoke about his cancer battle and the support they received during tough times.
Don Mlangeni-Nawa’s legacy will live on through a new mentorship programme for young artists announced at his funeral.
His widow, Regina, spoke about his long battle with cancer and the financial struggles they faced during his illness.
Family, friends, colleagues and government officials gathered at the Germiston Civic Centre to say goodbye to veteran actor Don “Bra Don” Eric Mlangeni-Nawa.
The 65-year-old television legend, who passed away on 16 April 2025, was honoured with the announcement of the Don Mlangeni-Nawa Mentorship Programme.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the programme would continue Bra Don’s passion for nurturing young talent.
“We want to thank him for his teachings,” said Lesufi.
“To honour his memory, we will launch the Don Mlangeni-Nawa Mentorship Programme to support upcoming artists. This is our way of showing gratitude and making sure his impact continues.”
Mlangeni-Nawa spent more than four decades lighting up South African television screens, leaving a rich legacy that the new initiative hopes to carry forward.
His widow, Regina, revealed at the service that he had battled prostate cancer, spending long periods in hospital.
She said she had to stop working to care for him, which caused financial struggles for the family.
“I have witnessed the deterioration of his health, but I did not walk through it alone. I had the support of government officials, politicians, artists and ordinary people,” she said.
Regina thanked Premier Lesufi for his help during Bra Don’s illness and earlier.
Despite her heartbreak, Regina shared a message of strength: “I am tired of crying. I have now reached the phase to find closure. Let us set him free; he has run his race.”
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula paid tribute to Bra Don, describing him as “a keeper of our collective soul.”
“Today, on behalf of the African National Congress, we lower our revolutionary banners to honour a legend who flew our nation’s flag high,” said Mbalula.
He praised Mlangeni-Nawa’s ability to tell South Africa’s true story through his work.
“Whether on stage or on screen, he carried the fire of resilience and the weight of history in his voice and gaze,” said Mbalula.
The mentorship programme will aim to build on Bra Don’s legacy by giving young artists the opportunities and support he believed in throughout his career.
Pictured above: Don “Bra Don” Eric Mlangeni-Nawa.
Image source: File
