Nandi Nyembe dies a legend, not a beneficiary: FOSA demands royalties for SA’s forgotten actors

South Africa is mourning the loss of Mama Nandi Nyembe, who passed away on Saturday, 23 August 2025, at the age of 75.

Earlier this year, she had asked the public for assistance in finding work — a stark reminder of the financial struggles faced by even the most celebrated actors.

In a statement, the Forum for South Africa (FOSA) mourned her as the soul of South African storytelling and highlighted the painful reality that, unlike musicians, actors do not receive royalties. The organisation called on government to urgently implement policies that would secure financial dignity for actors — both in life and after death.

In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Tebogo Mashilompane, National Leader of the Forum for South Africa, unpacks why actors die as cultural icons but not as financially recognised citizens — and why Mama Nandi Nyembe’s passing must be a turning point for change.

How SA actors die without financial dignity

Mama Nandi’s legacy is deeply cherished, yet her passing brings attention to the harsh truth that many actors face their final days without financial stability. Tebogo reflects on how, while South Africa often celebrates its performers with praise, it continues to fall short in offering them real support through meaningful policy.

“There is a lack of will from our government. It is the responsibility of the government to come up with policies that seeks to protect the integrity and talent of individuals but, to date, no existing policy with regard to actors royalties. Actors and actresses are entitled to royalties but the system continues to fail them,” said Tebogo.

Musicians receive royalties while actors don’t

In their statement, FOSA pointed out the stark contrast between musicians—who often earn royalties that support their families long after they are gone—and actors, who receive no such long-term benefits. Tebogo unpacks what this inequality reveals about the way South Africa values different forms of art and storytelling, raising critical questions about whose contributions are preserved, and whose are forgotten.

“Pre-1994, there was a unified approach when it came to the arts in general. However, post-1994, political parties—particularly the ANC—created a very serious divide in that they began to give tenders to certain popular artists. That forced artists to align with the then-ruling party. As a result, a division appeared where musicians established platforms for musicians, and this left other artists behind.

“Actors, actresses, theatre performers, etc., started dividing, and that gave those in charge power to abuse the system. Today, we have actors and actresses on the other side speaking with different voices. And this division is good for the production bosses and government because there is no accountability from both the production bosses and government. The creative industry in general needs to be reformed. And this can only be possible if politicians and political parties stop using their power to abuse artists,” said Tebogo.

Government’s neglect to this issue

For years, the government has been called upon to confront this issue, yet the silence has remained deafening. Tebogo delves into whether this continued neglect is merely a result of political apathy—or if it reveals something more troubling: a deep-rooted failure to acknowledge actors as legitimate workers, deserving of the same dignity and protection as others within the economy.

“Both. First, it is a lack of political will, and second, actors are seen as freelancers, not employees. That is where the reform needs to start,” said Tebogo.

Can Mama Nandi’s death be a catalyst for real change?

Tebogo speaks about whether Mama Nandi Nyembe’s passing could spark meaningful change in the industry—and, if that’s possible, how FOSA plans to ensure that her death leads not only to mourning, but to lasting policy reform.

“We believe and hope that the passing of Mama Nandi should serve as a wake-up call, first to the artists, in that they must unite and speak with one voice. The division serves to benefit the government and production bosses. FOSA has, without fail, continued to advocate for the rights of artists, and what we still find difficult is the fact that some popular and influential artists are in the pockets of politicians or political parties. However, we will continue to fight for the well-being and freedom of the arts in the country,” said Tebogo.

Concrete steps FOSA is ready to take

Beyond releasing public statements, Tebogo discusses the tangible actions FOSA is prepared to take—be it lobbying, organising protests, or pursuing legal avenues—to make sure actors and actresses are finally granted the royalties and recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions.

“One of the key things that FOSA is doing is to contribute to parliamentary submissions, appealing to those in charge, holding talks with various artists, with the hope of unifying the artists, so that when such time comes, we should be found ready to organize massive boycotts and masses.

“Additionally, there exists an element of victimisation in the industry, so that sometimes makes it difficult for artists to protest; hence we are pushing for policy reforms so that artists can protest without fear of losing gigs. Because one of the things that artists are scared of is being victimised, then as a result they lose bookings or gigs. But to defeat that, the government must come up with policies that protect the artists,” said Tebogo.

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