A final farewell to the South African screen icon, Don Mlangeni-Nawa, was held on Saturday.
Family, friends, colleagues, and government officials gathered at the Germiston Civic Centre on Saturday to pay their final respects to veteran actor Don “Bra Don” Eric Mlangeni-Nawa, who passed away last Wednesday at the age of 65.
The award-winning thespian, known for his four-decade contribution to South African television, was honored with the announcement of a new mentorship program bearing his name.
Government honors Don Mlangeni-Nawa’s legacy
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the establishment of the Don Mlangeni-Nawa Mentorship Programme during the funeral service, highlighting the actor’s lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent.
“We want to thank him for his teachings,” Lesufi said. “To honour his memory, we will launch the Don Mlangeni Mentorship Programme to support upcoming artists.
“This is our way of preserving his name, showing gratitude, and ensuring his impact continues. He truly deserves this and more.”
The initiative aims to continue Mlangeni-Nawa’s legacy of guidance and support for emerging artists in the entertainment industry.
ALSO READ: Tributes pour in for former ‘Isidingo’ star Don Mlangeni Nawa
Family reveals Don Mlangeni-Nawa’s health struggles
Regina Mlangeni-Nawa, the actor’s widow, revealed during the service that her husband had battled prostate cancer and had been frequently hospitalised.
The illness forced her to stop working to care for him, creating financial challenges for the family.
“I have witnessed the journey of the deterioration of his health, but I didn’t walk through it alone. I walked through it with a lot of people from government officials, politicians, artists and ordinary masses of people,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to Premier Lesufi for supporting them during this difficult time: “I thank you premier for reaching [back out] when my husband called for help, not only when he was sick but even prior when he was still showing that he was well.”
Despite her grief, Regina shared a message of resilience: “I have now reached the phase to find closure, and I refuse to face that phase feeling pity for myself, I have cried I am tired. Let us set him free, he has ran his race and I decide to honour him by focusing on country duty as a patriot.”
ALSO READ: ‘I’m a mess right now’: Lady Du mourns death of her father, DJ Choc
Mbalula pays tribute to “s son of the soil”
Secretary General of the ANC Fikile Mbalula delivered a moving tribute, describing Mlangeni-Nawa as more than an actor but “a keeper of our collective soul.”
“Today on behalf of the African National Congress we deep our revolutionary banners in paying tribute to a legend who was larger than life, a flag bearer of our nation who flew our nation’s flag high as an artist’s per excellence,” Mbalula said.
He praised Mlangeni-Nawa’s artistry and impact: “Whether on stage or on screen, he carried the weight of history in his gaze, the fire of resilience in his voice. He was a mirror held up to South Africa, reflecting both our scars and our beauty, our wounds and our healing.”
ALSO READ: ‘It’s not true that Dr Lusanda Mcinga is bedridden,’ says management
Lesufi reflects on personal connection with Bra Don
Lesufi spoke of his personal relationship with the actor, revealing that they had spoken shortly before his death.
“Few days before his final call, a video called me excited and happy that he was recovering. Once more he committed his love for our work in government and he also persuaded us to ensure that we give support to those that need support,” Lesufi recalled.
The premier also emphasised Mlangeni-Nawa’s political activism.
“Don was a caring member and a proud member of the African National Congress and participated in our branch activities freely, and he loved creative work within the political framework.”
Industry colleagues remember a mentor
Fellow actors paid tribute to “Bra Don,” with colleague Sello Maake KaNcube reflecting on their shared journey that began in 1981.
“Acting like priesthood is a calling,” Ncube said. “The gospel that we are preaching is the reflection of who we are and affirming our identity.”
Actress Keketso Semoko, who played Mlangeni-Nawa’s on-screen wife Agnes Matabane in the long-running SABC soapie Isidingo, described him as someone “adored by everyone.”
Celebrated career spanning four decades
Mlangeni-Nawa’s illustrious career included numerous iconic roles that made him a household name in South Africa.
By 1993, he had become widely recognised, and his portrayal of Zebedee Matabane in Isidingo earned him the South African Film and Television Award for Best Actor in a TV soap in 2006.
His versatility was showcased in productions including The Throne, Legacy, The Estate, and Shaka iLembe, establishing him as one of the country’s most respected performers.
As the curtain falls on the life of this South African screen legend, his legacy lives on through both his artistic contributions and the mentorship program that will continue to nurture talent in his name.
WATCH: Don Mlangeni-Nawa funeral
NOW READ: ‘His impact was undeniable’: Tributes pour in for comedian Ebenhaezer Dibakwane [VIDEO]
