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Celebrating the life and screen legacy of Don Mlangeni Nawa

In celebration of the late icon and legendary thespian, Don Mlangeni Nawa, who recently passed away at the age of 65, BONA shares television greatest moments that he has left as a legacy for the aspiring thespians and those who referred to his work as inspiration.

The Nawa family confirmed the heartbreaking news of his death on social media platforms, citing that he passed on on the 16th of April.

They remembered him as the heart of the family and a loving person.

“He was the heart of our family_ a loving father, brother and friend. To the world, he was a loved and respected actor whose presence lit up every screen and stage he graced. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely,” read the statement.

Don played many celebrated roles that includes, Thato Mokoena on The River, David on Ubambo Lwami, Zakhe Mhlongo on Hlala Kwabafileyo, Zebedee ‘Bra Zeb’ Matabane on Isidingo: The Need, Shadrack Mokobane on The Estate and Laqhasha on Sgudis Snaysi.

Here are some of the TV greatest moments that Don will be remembered by:

The vetaran actor breathing life into the character of David on Ubambo Lwami.

@joe.junior5From archives with Don Mlangeni Nawa at Ubambo lwami drama series♬ original sound – Joe junior

Don portraying the character of Zakhe Mhlongo on Hlala Kwabafileyo.

@hoimash69 Life can change in seconds & you loose it all #donmlangeni #hlalakwabafileyo #zuludrama #mzansi #mzansitiktok ♬ original sound – HoiMash

He created beautiful memories for some as he played the character of Laqhasha, the infamous mashonisa on Sgudi Snaysi.

@buhlenzimande9303 We will always be grateful for the work they did together #nostalgia #fyp #satiktok?? #sdumo #laqhasha #donmlangeni #sgudisnayis #mzansi #mzansitiktok #tiktoksouthafrica #childhood #classic #memories ♬ original sound – Buhle Nzimande??

Don also played the role of Thato Mokoena on The River.

@lindiwe_dlamini_dikana Veteran award winning actor Don Mlangeni Eric Nawa died at age 65. A statement confirmed by family on Wednesday, 16 April 2025. We remember his great works on television in roles of popular shows like ‘Sgudi ‘Snaysi, Isidingo, The Throne and The River. We remember him here at home as the great Thato Mokoena, a leader and father to the community of Refilwe. #donmlangeni #donmlangeninawa #rip #thato #thatomokoena #thatomokoenatheriver #tumi #tumimokoena #tumitheriver #lindani #lindanitheriver #kabelo #kabelotheriver #kabzela #kabzelatheriver #theriver #therivermzansi #theriversouthafrica #theriver1magictv #theriver1magic #southafrica #southafricantiktok #southafricatiktok?? #southafricanentertainment ♬ original sound – Lindiwe

 

Also see: Heartfelt tributes pour for Don Mlangeni

 

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