Nandi Nyembe speaks out after Gayton McKenzie’s broken promise
South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is facing backlash after failing to follow through on a promise to visit beloved actress Nandi Nyembe, months after offering her support during her financial struggles.
Back in April, McKenzie pledged to personally check in on Nyembe at her Soweto home after donating R20,000 from his own pocket.
The gesture, which was made during a video call from Cape Town, was widely circulated on social media.
During the call, he said, “Send the lady your banking details, not anyone else’s… I’m sending you something to tide you over for the next two weeks. I’m coming to see you, Mama Nandi, to make sure you’re okay.”
Despite the viral nature of that moment, Nyembe now says that no follow-up visit ever happened, and she’s still waiting.
Speaking to Sunday World, the iconic Yizo Yizo and Zone 14 actress revealed that the last time she heard from McKenzie was during that same video call.
Since then, there’s been nothing.
“Nobody has called or said anything to me, so I am in the dark,” she said. “I have already lost faith in politicians because the ANC said the same thing not so long ago, promising to assist me. There are so many people that come here and say the same thing.”
Nyembe, whose health challenges and her son’s medical expenses have added pressure to her already difficult situation, believes many who claim to want to help are only seeking publicity.
She shared that she was recently invited to a fundraiser at a popular Soweto venue, but has yet to hear any follow-up or see any benefits from the event.
“I need a script, not sympathy,” Nyembe said, emphasizing that she is still eager and able to work, rather than depend on handouts or hollow promises.
McKenzie’s critics have not only slammed him for leaving Nyembe in the lurch but have also pointed to a growing pattern.
His high-profile commitment to revive football club Bloemfontein Celtic remains unfulfilled, sparking frustration among fans who had hoped for real change.
“He talks big, but where’s the action?” one social media user posted, summing up the sentiment.
His handling of the Joshlin Smith case also drew heat.
