Veteran stage and screen actor Don Mlangeni Nawa has passed away at the age of 65, his family confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday morning.
Nawa, widely celebrated for his portrayal of Bra Zeb Matabane on Isidingo, became a household name in the 1980s through his role as Laqhasha in the popular sitcom Sgudi Snaysi. With a career spanning several decades, he also starred in productions such as Uzalo, The River, The Throne, and Savage Beauty.
In their statement, the family described him as “the heart of our family – a loving father, brother and friend. To the world, he was a gifted and respected actor whose presence lit up every stage and screen he graced.”
They added, “His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told and the love he gave so freely.” The family has requested privacy as they mourn his loss and did not disclose the cause of his death.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nawa received numerous accolades, including a South African Film and Television Award for Best Actor in 2006. He was also honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at both the Royalty Soapie Awards and the Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards.