SA mourns death of actor Nyembezi Kunene

South Africans woke up to the sad news of the passing of veteran actor Nyembezi Kunene, who last showcased his acting skills on local drama Scandal.

Who could forget his role as Macingwane on South Africa’s famous comedy show Emzini Wezinsizwa. On this show, featuring characters Mofokeng, Benson Chirwali, Magubane, James Mkhize and Sibeko, among others, Kunene played a character who was part of an apartheid-era security personnel team in charge of a male-only hostel.

He also played on South Africa’s popular soapie Generations, now Generations: The Legacy. He played the role of Malume Jabulani, a character who generally sought to bring peace whenever Sbusiso Dlomo, played by Menzi Ngubane, lost it.

Just about past Friday, he appeared on soapie drama Scandal. He played the role of Scelo’s uncle who returned after a long disappearance.

According to eNCA, Kunene died after a long illness. He had been in a hospital for a month but was transferred to Lesedi hospital in Soweto just two days before he died.

South Africans took to Twitter to mourn the fallen actor. Here’s what people had to say on Twitter:

Nyembezi Kunene was not only an accomplished actor, he also started community theatre projects which developed many other actors.
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— Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) June 5, 2016

Was just starting to enjoy Nyembezi Kunene come back on Scandal. What a great loss!

— Yanga (@younger_D) June 5, 2016

Legendary actor, director and play writer Nyembezi Kunene sad to hear that he has passed on.#RIP pic.twitter.com/Xe6jlq7Ax9

— Faith Makhubedu (@MisFaith) June 5, 2016

Ysterday it was Ali n today its uBab'Nyembezi Kunene…I was startin to luv his charactr in #RingOfLies RIP Jabs "e old timer wth swagg"

— ECONOMIST🇧🇼 (@Kayluv_Lesomo) June 5, 2016

OMG ntate Nyembezi Kunene he's no more, may his soul rest in peace !!! #RIPNyembeziKunene 😔

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— NOLENCE MASHEGO (@NolenceMashego) June 5, 2016

OMG Nyembezi Kunene passed on last night while we were busy with SAMAs! My His Soul Rest…ndi hurt😢

— Loge (@Loge_PM) June 5, 2016

Another legend cross over.

Rest in Power Mr Nyembezi Kunene pic.twitter.com/8FUzEyDx0I

— Hlabirwa (@_Hlabirwa) June 5, 2016

Veteran actor Nyembezi Kunene who appeared in Generations and @etvScandal has died after a long illness. He was 57.

— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) June 5, 2016

Thank you. And RIP to Nyembezi Kunene. Diabetes is a silent killer, not much is being said about it yet it sweeps our people away.

— King Bhambatha ✊🏿 🇵🇸 (@AubreyEsco) June 5, 2016

https://twitter.com/gugulabazli/status/739404624789135360