A Crowd’s Generosity Meets Public Scrutiny
In the swirl of grief and tribute, social media influencer Mandisi Tshingana helped raise just over R40 000 for the burial of beloved actress Nandi Nyembe. But alongside appreciation came suspicion, as the public questioned his transparency and why a fundraising drive landed in his personal account.
The Heart Behind the Initiative
When Mam’ Nandi Nyembe passed away on 23 August 2025 at age 75, the actor community reeled with grief. Recognizing the burden on her family to arrange a dignified farewell, Gomora actress Sannah “Sana” Mchunu visited the Nyembe family home and left unsettled by the reality she found. Mchunu took to Instagram, pleading, “I humbly ask you all to help her children with the funeral arrangements; they’re struggling, anything counts as something.” News24+1
Moved by her plea, Mandisi was asked to assist. In no time, he helped rally donations, collectively raising R40 473.95, which he promptly transferred to Nyembe’s family to meet funeral costs scheduled for the week.
But Not Everyone Believed the Narrative
On platforms like Twitter (X), not everyone welcomed the initiative with open hearts. Some comments reflected unease:
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“I suspect he might be skimming a portion… If you all contribute R60k, he could potentially pocket 20k…”
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“Can we see the money that was raised? Why is it going into his personal account?”
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“Opportunist at its best.”
These remarks speak to deeper concerns in our digital age: who we trust, how we handle collective giving, and how influencers bridge or sometimes blur, the personal and the public.
A Rare, Honest Conversation Born from Loss
Here’s a meaningful contrast: while Masked by question marks of trust, this fundraiser also exemplifies the potency of compassion. It brings us back to ubuntu, the idea that we rise by caring for one another.
Sana continued using her platform wisely, noting that many veteran artists, especially ones with legacies like Nyembe’s, are often forgotten by the industry when they need support most. “Our actors deserve dignity, security, real support,” she wrote.
Mandisi echoed that sentiment, reflecting how “social media, when used with compassion, can make a real-life difference.”
Scene from Home: Public Feelings, Local Reflections
Here in Cape Town (and across Mzansi), we respect those who show up, whether that’s on a stage, in a screen role, or simply at a family’s door in a moment of need. But we also demand accountability. It’s what gives our voices weight, and our community credibility.
What’s unique here is how quickly compassion and caution collided. A well-intentioned fundraiser became a lightning rod for a broader dialogue about philanthropy, legacy, and media transparency.
A Tale Beyond Money: Legacy, Equity & the Actors’ Plight
Nandi Nyembe wasn’t just another actor, she was a symbol, in every role she played, of resilience and heart. Her passing and the modest fundraiser that followed, has illuminated a painful truth: many of our cultural treasures leave us quietly, in precarious financial situations.
This isn’t just an influencer story or a social media moment; it’s a reflection of systemic neglect. We owe more to the people who shape our cultural narrative, while they’re here and when they’re gone.
{Source: Briefly}
Featured Image: X {@LeratoPillayZA}
