Late Nandi Nyembe’s family slams false rumors about Minister Gayton
The relatives of the deceased esteemed actress Nandi Nyembe have publicly defended Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie against recent allegations.
This statement follows Nyembe’s death on Saturday, 23 August 2025, and the subsequent memorial service held on Thursday, 28 August.
During the memorial, numerous tributes were shared, but a stir was caused when her iCala co-star Lerato Mvelase charged McKenzie and his department with not providing adequate support to the actress.
Her comments ignited a significant outcry on social media, with many voicing similar sentiments.
Nevertheless, Nyembe’s family seized the opportunity to clarify the situation.
In their acknowledgment speech, they stated that McKenzie had been consistently present and helpful since the day after the actress’s passing.
“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 paid tribute, sharing, “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.”
In light of the criticism, McKenzie responded, revealing that he had previously supported the actress financially.
He shared that he had donated R20,000 when she revealed her financial hardships, and after her demise, he contributed R10,000 to cover funeral costs.
