MINISTER of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has conveyed his condolences at the passing of renowned South African veteran actor Don Mlangeni-Nawa.
Born on 7 June 1959 in Boksburg, Don was more than just an actor; he was a cultural icon, storyteller and a mirror through which we saw our own struggles, joys, and triumphs.
A husband and father of five, he was a man of immense talent who started humbly in theatre before rising to national fame.
Many will remember him as Laqhasha from ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi, a role that made the country laugh, think, and connect.
For many South Africans, his name became truly legendary when he stepped into the shoes of Zebedee “Bra Zeb” Matabane on Isidingo.
“I grew up watching a true giant of our television screens, the great Don Mlangeni-Nawa. He was a legend in the industry,” said the Minister.
For nearly two decades, he was the heartbeat of South Africa’s most popular soapie, captivating people from all walks of life. In 2006, he was honoured with a Golden Horn Award for Best Actor in a TV Soap.
Don was never just one character, however. He was David in Ubambo Lwami, Zakhe in Hlala Kwabafileyo and Moseki in The Throne, where he played a royal brother with gravitas and presence.
In 2018, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Royalty Soapie Awards, a nod to a career that spanned generations and broke boundaries. Even in his final years on screen, appearing in Legacy and Uzalo, he remained a consummate professional – dedicated, grounded and unforgettable.
“His story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose. He didn’t just act, he inspired. He didn’t just perform, he transformed,” continued the Minister.
“South Africa has lost more than an actor. We’ve lost a piece of our cultural soul.
Rest in peace, Don Mlangeni-Nawa.
You’ve played your part, and you played it to perfection,” said McKenzie.
He was 65.
Image (The late icon Don Mlangeni- Nawa will be missed).
