- Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe left speechless after sport minister gives her R20,000 from his own pocket.
- She says she’s broke after spending all her savings on her son’s medical bills.
Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, known for her roles in Zone 14 and Soul City, has received a R20,000 donation from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie — and it came straight from his own bank account.
The donation came after a heartbreaking video of the 74-year-old star went viral. In the video, Nyembe opens up about her financial struggles, her failing health, and how decades in the entertainment industry have left her with nothing.
She revealed that she had used up all her savings trying to raise R88,000 for her son’s medical treatment. She didn’t say what illness her son is suffering from.
McKenzie phoned Nyembe from Cape Town and told her to send her bank details directly to him.
“Send the lady your banking details, not anyone else’s,” he said. “This is from me, my own pocket. I am sending you something to tide you over for the next two weeks.”
Nyembe, clearly shocked, told Sunday World: “I am at a loss for words. Why would the minister give so much from his own pocket? But I am thankful to him and to everyone who is holding me up right now.”
She also said two strangers had sent her R2,000 each, and fellow actress Winnie Ntshaba called to give her comfort.
McKenzie told Nyembe that he is working on a longer-term plan to help her.
Despite being a household name, Nyembe says she is broke and only gets small roles these days.
Nyembe also slammed the industry for offering no security for veteran actors.
“It’s sad that our shows play worldwide, but we don’t get royalties. We don’t get a pension — it is tough,” she said.
But she hasn’t lost hope.
“I just want to work,” she said. “Give me a script, and I will show you what I’ve got.”
Pictured above: Nandi Nyembe.
Image source: @nandinyembe
