Katlego Sekhu

A touching video of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe opening up about her financial struggles has gone viral on social media.
“It is hard in this industry. Now I feel it. I really feel it,” confessed the 76-year-old acting legend, who resisted appeals to ask for donations from the person filming her. “I would ask for donations, but I am not that kind of person. I can’t.”
Nyembe, now wheelchair-bound, added. “I don’t like people pitying me because I can do things myself. I don’t want handouts. Maybe some groceries would help.”
“I need to work,” she insisted. “If I’m sitting here, it’s not like my brain is dead. Give me a script, and I’ll show you this brain is alive! It’s only the knees and whatever.”
Among those moved to help was actress Sanah Mchunu, who requested Nyembe’s banking details to facilitate donations.
Though initially reluctant, an emotional Nyembe eventually shared her details.
#freedommonth #nandinyembe
— Masingita Masunga (@MasingitaTv) April 1, 2025
TOGETHER WE CAN RISE abOVE POVERTY
The heartbreaking story of Mam @NandiNyembe who has been an actor for 53 years, highlights the plight that artists and Athletes still face in 31 years of freedom in the country.@setlhalokat the struggle must end. pic.twitter.com/eyNpKdXvTK
This comes amid growing revelations about the harsh realities of South Africa’s entertainment industry, with many actors and musicians enduring long periods without work.
Nyembe remains one of South Africa’s most revered actresses, with a decades-long career across television, film, and theatre.
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