Actress Nandi Nyembe says there’s not money in acting
Veteran actress Nandi Nyembe has left South Africans in disbelief after opening up about the financial struggles she faces despite decades in the entertainment industry.
A snippet from her recent interview went viral, sparking a wave of reactions across social media as fans and fellow creatives debated the harsh realities of working in film and television.
Nyembe, known for her iconic roles on screen, didn’t hold back when asked about her current situation.
She expressed frustration over the public’s perception of actors’ wealth, revealing that she is far from financially secure.
“I don’t get paid. There’s no money,” she said plainly. “You hear a person asking, ‘Why don’t you have medical aid?’ How will I pay for it?”
The actress recently made headlines after it emerged that she had fallen on hard times.
While some social media users were shocked to learn of her financial state, others chimed in to say her experience reflects the industry’s dark truth — only a select few, often the most seasoned or highly sought-after talents, actually earn a decent income.
In the same interview with Masingita Masunga of the Above Normal Foundation, Nyembe shared a deeply personal moment, disclosing that she had once saved R88,000 — money she had to use to cover her son’s medical expenses.
The revelation brought both sympathy and concern from fans, as many wondered how such a well-known actress could be struggling to make ends meet.
The viral clip, initially shared by MDN News, lit up social media platforms and started a nationwide conversation about how the entertainment industry treats its talents.
Watch the video below:
Veteran actress Mama Nandi Nyembe says there is no money in acting. pic.twitter.com/LrVPvUSyPT
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 9, 2025
