Nandi Nyembe/ Picture: X
The recent passing of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, who experienced financial difficulty, has has inspired some of Mzansi’s entertainers to revisit the conversation regarding the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill, which they believe is their best shot at financial security.
Not long before she transitioned to the other side, Nandi Nyembe’s financial challenges were put on display for all of South Africa to see. She took to social media to appeal to the public for assistance with medical costs, as she had fallen ill. Citizens from far and wide empathised with the veteran actress, leading Minister Gayton Mckenzie to offer committing to helping her.
She later revealed that the minister did not live up to his promises, as she did not receive any funds or assistance from him or his department.
McKenzie steps in to assist struggling actress Nandi Nyembe
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has stepped in to support veteran actress Nandi Nyembe after she publicly shared her financial struggles.
In a direct show of support, McKenzie requested Nyembe’s… pic.twitter.com/JwcnrqtKXY
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 2, 2025
Although the conversation regarding the lack of financial security in the entertainment industry is not a new one, it appears that Nandi’s death revived a fighting spirit in some notable figures, including Jack Devnarain and Nambitha Mpumlwana, who have called out leaders to better regulate the industry.
South African Guild of Actors’ Jack Devnarain has criticised Sports and Arts Minister, Gayton McKenzie for opposing the Copyright Amendment Bill, which will secure royalty rights for performers. He says late legendary actress #NandiNyembe, whose career spanned 50 years, could… pic.twitter.com/CD82j9v3Hl
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 24, 2025
Actress Nambitha Mpumlwana hopes that President Cyril Ramaphosa will sign the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill in honour of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe. https://t.co/NliR45MdmI pic.twitter.com/xBdbPiGfxL
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 24, 2025
This Bill, which Minister Gayton McKenzie has publicly opposed, aims to provide for equitable remuneration for performers from the use of their works, extend rights to audiovisual performances, and address issues with the outdated existing Act.
It has drawn a bit of controversy as some have criticised aspects of it, including its potential to threaten the sustainability of the industry, placing an increased burden on stakeholders.