Nandi Nyembe, born on August 19, 1950, is a South African actress recognized for her performances in the sports drama Zone 14 and the television series Soul City.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Nandi Nyembe |
| Date Of Birth: | August 19, 1950 |
| Place Of Birth: | Klipton, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Children: | 1 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation(s): | Actress |
| Net Worth: | $500,000 – $1 million |
Early Life
Born in Kliptown, Johannesburg in August 1950, Nyembe has also resided in various locations such as Botswana and East London, South Africa during her youth.
She has recounted being consistently typecast as a maid during auditions due to the apartheid regime. In an interview with Bona Magazine, Nyembe expressed her frustration at the inequality and oppression she faced:
“The shows would paint white women’s faces black if they needed a black lead. This injustice fueled my anger, leading me to engage in protest theatre. The police would often disrupt our performances with tear gas in an attempt to intimidate us. Since most shows were held at night, I would encounter police on my way home, who would demand my pass. I frequently found myself evading authorities as the government disapproved of our activities.”
Career
Nyembe is recognized for her portrayal of Nandi Sibiya on Zone 14 from 2001 to 2012. She also depicted Lily on the popular SABC 1 teen-drama Yizo Yizo (2001-2004) and starred in the leading role in the SABC 1 sitcom Izoso Connexion (2006-2007).
Her film credits include roles in Reasonable Man (1999), Saturday Night at the Palace (1987), and Yesterday (2004).
Additionally, Nyembe appeared in the drama series Jacob’s Cross in 2007 as Thembe Makhubu. She has made guest appearances on numerous primetime series such as Soul Buddyz, Hillside, Erfsondes, 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls, and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
From 2014 onwards, Nyembe has been featured in various television shows including Sticks and Stones (2006), Isithunzi, Isibaya, and The Road for two seasons on Mzansi Magic, as well as the e.tv drama series Ashes to Ashes in 2016. She also joined the cast of Mzansi Magic’s Isithembiso Dolly in 2017.
In September 2021, Nyembe’s character in the television series House of Zwide was written off, leading to rumors online that Nyembe had passed away. This misinformation caused friends to reach out to her in a state of panic.
Personal Life
Nyembe is a mother and also practices as a sangoma. She underwent her sangoma initiation at the age of 17.
Prior to discovering her sangoma abilities, Nyembe faced a significant health challenge after being able to communicate with the spirits of individuals who had passed away on the road.
In an interview with Time Lives Magazine, she shared details of the illness.
“I fell ill, and my mother had to bring me to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. At one point, doctors conducted urine tests, and surprisingly, the results showed soil traces despite there being no underlying medical issues.”
Nyembe’s daughter previously practiced as a sangoma but has since stopped.
Nandi Nyembe Net Worth
Nandi Nyembe, a well-known South African actress, has amassed a net worth estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million as of 2024.
Her financial success is mainly attributed to her long-standing career in television and film, where she has delivered memorable performances in series such as Zone 14 and Yizo Yizo, as well as notable roles in movies like Yesterday.
Filmography
Films:
- 1987: Saturday Night at the Palace as Miriam
- 1994: A Reasonable Man as Rachel Ndlovu
- 2004: Yesterday as Sangoma
Television:
- 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003: Soul City as Sister Lizzie (2001–2004)
- 2000: Yizo Yizo as Lily
- 2002: Gaz’lam as Lerato’s Mother
- 2005–2012: Zone 14 as Nandi Sibiya
- 2006–2007: Izoso Connexion as Maria
- 2007, 2011–2012: Jacob’s Cross as Thembi Makhubu
- 2008: Hillside as Ntshebo Maloka
- 2009: The Coconuts as Mrs Hlatshwayo
- 2014: Sticks and Stones as Patience
- 2011: Soul Buddyz as Gogo
- 2014: Ses’Top La as Guest
- 2015–2017: Ashes to Ashes as Ma’ Mazibuko
- 2015–2016: The Road as Gogo
- 2016–2017: Is’thunzi as Nolwazi
- 2013–2019: Isibaya as Gog’ Mkhithi