Lerato Mvelase drags Gayton McKenzie at Nandi Nyembe’s memorial service
Lerato Mvelase called out Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and his department at the late veteran actress Nandi Nyembe’s memorial service.
The memorial service, held on Thursday, 28 August, was packed with industry peers, family, friends and political figures who came to pay their respects to Nyembe, who passed away on 23 August 2025.
After a speech was delivered on behalf of the Minister, Mvelase stepped up and openly criticised government’s failure to support artists, a moment that was met with loud applause from the audience.
“I would have loved to hear a speech that speaks on adjusting or changing the policies in place. How long must we hear the same speech? How long must we have the same engagements about the need for policy structures that are going to protect us as actors? We are fighting with the system that has been putting actors down our whole lives,” she said.
Mvelase went further, declaring that until real changes are made, the department should no longer be welcome at memorials and funerals of artists.
“Please do tell the Minister that going forward, artists will no longer allow the department to come celebrate with us. We have been sold a dream that will never be realised. And I can assure you, wherever Mam’ Nandi is, her heart was not happy. We are not happy,” she added.
Her words came after shocking revelations that donations promised to Nyembe, including a R20,000 contribution and a planned ministerial visit, never reached the actress before her passing.
Many South Africans have since joined the conversation, slamming the department’s empty promises and lack of action in improving the lives of creatives.
The powerful speech struck a chord with many who felt Mvelase spoke not only for Nandi Nyembe but for countless other actors who continue to suffer under poor working conditions and lack of industry support.
Actress, Lerato Mvelase says the department of Sport, Arts and Culture will no longer be allowed to speak at actors’ funerals, because they keep on making the same empty promises.
“We are not a charity case…There is no political will to help actors,” says the actress. pic.twitter.com/VYvsDpny4l
— Karisa (@MpumeeMagagula) August 28, 2025
