SACP message of heartfelt condolences to family of renowned actress Nandi Nyembe

[SACP Communications]

SACP message of heartfelt condolences to family of renowned actress Nandi Nyembe

Monday 25 August 2025: The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of legendary South African actress, Nandi Nyembe. The SACP also sends its message of condolences to the entire arts and culture fraternity for the loss. Nyembe’s work over the years shows an actress who played an important role through her art to conscientise the people of South Africa in the struggle against the apartheid system.

Nandi Nyembe used her acting talent for more than just entertainment and recreation but also sought to educate the people about the conditions they lived in. She defied the apartheid system’s casting of black performers as nothing but domestic workers and sought more impactful roles to empower the black community. During the apartheid era, she joined with other performers to compose and perform protest theatre against racial subjugation. The apartheid regime would often disrupt their performances, and she was often on the run from the apartheid police due to their shows.

Due to her powerful and impactful roles in South African film and theatre, Nandi Nyembe is celebrated as more than an actress but the very soul of South African storytelling who gave dignity to South African stories.

In memory of Nandi Nyembe, the SACP calls for improved focus on the development of the South African arts industry, placing special emphasis on progressive content being made available to the public. The SACP reiterates its stance that South African performers have the right to benefit from all their work. The corrupt, both in the private and public sector, must be punished for the theft of performers’ works and funds.