PICTURE: FACEBOOK/ NANDI NYEMBE AND NHLANHLA KUNENE
Actor, Nhlanhla Kunene opened up about how the veteran actress, Nandi Nyembe’s passing left a gaping hole in his life.
Nandi passed away on August 23, 2025 at the age of 75 years after a long illness. Nhlanhla and Nandi played grandmother and grandson on the Tshedza Film series Adulting, forming a strong bond on and off screen.
Taking to his Facebook page, Nhlanhla shared that life has never been the same since Nandi passed away.
“Umagraiza was my comfort, my laughter, my guide, and my safety on and off screen. When everything fell apart, she was still my anchor. Losing her broke something in me that I’m still learning how to live with,” he penned.
Nhlanhla shared how she misses Nandi, and how she made things look and feel easy.
“I still reach for her in moments when life gets too heavy. I miss her presence, her voice, her strength, and the way she made everything feel a little less impossible. I only have a few pictures of us, but what we shared was real, deep, and special. That love stays with me. It lives in my heart, even when life doesn’t make sense anymore. Life has never been the same without her. But here we are,” wrote Nhlanhla.
Nhlanhla won many hearts when he played Mkhuseli/Eric, well-known as Tsiki-Tsiki on Adulting. His mannerism, how he spoke tsotsi taal and his unique walk turned heads, scoring him attention from the ladies. Playing alongside him, Nandi portrayed the character of MaGetty, the grandmother of Eric. Her performance was highly acclaimed, earning her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama at the 18th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in late 2024.