Legendary actor, director and playwriter Nyembezi Kunene has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with diabetes.
The son of the Emzini Wezinsizwa veteran actor, Sonqoba Kunene, confirmed the news to eNCA this morning.
"It has been a terrible day so far. We have had family members and relatives strolling into our household to obviously pay their last respects and to offer their message of condolences. He passed away yesterday evening, it's still very fresh," Sonqoba said.
Sonqoba also took to Facebook in a lengthy note to pay tribute to his father.
"A few hours ago, a legend departed this land. The great Nyembezi Kunene - actor, director, playwright and producer, has passed on. Following a prolonged illness, Nyemza lost his battle with Diabetes and died peacefully at the Lesedi Hospital in Soweto, late on Saturday evening. He will be remembered for his many roles he played in various TV and Film productions in a career spanning well over three decades. May his soul Rest In Peace. You fought a great fight, a hero to the end. We will miss you Nyemza. This is the final curtain call, after decades spent entertaining South African audiences. You stayed true to your craft till the end. You were a great father and your teachings will live on, not only in your children's lives, but also in the lives of many your work and passion for the performing arts have changed. Hambe kahle Mntimande! Bambolunye! Ngwenya! Madonsela! Rest in Peace Baba..."
Kunene is renowned for his work on popular comedy series Emzini Wezinsizwa as Mcunu – the senior hostel security guard.
He played fan-favourite Jabulani Dlomo, the uncle of Sibusiso (Menzi Ngubane) on SABC 1 soapie Generations, between 2007-2009.
Other recent TV shows that he has starred in include Scandal, Ring of Lies, Umlilo and Isibaya.
Emzini Wezinsizwa actor Nyembezi Kunene dies
The son of the Emzini Wezinsizwa veteran actor, Sonqoba Kunene, confirmed the news to eNCA this morning.
"It has been a terrible day so far. We have had family members and relatives strolling into our household to obviously pay their last respects and to offer their message of condolences. He passed away yesterday evening, it's still very fresh," Sonqoba said.
Sonqoba also took to Facebook in a lengthy note to pay tribute to his father.
"A few hours ago, a legend departed this land. The great Nyembezi Kunene - actor, director, playwright and producer, has passed on. Following a prolonged illness, Nyemza lost his battle with Diabetes and died peacefully at the Lesedi Hospital in Soweto, late on Saturday evening. He will be remembered for his many roles he played in various TV and Film productions in a career spanning well over three decades. May his soul Rest In Peace. You fought a great fight, a hero to the end. We will miss you Nyemza. This is the final curtain call, after decades spent entertaining South African audiences. You stayed true to your craft till the end. You were a great father and your teachings will live on, not only in your children's lives, but also in the lives of many your work and passion for the performing arts have changed. Hambe kahle Mntimande! Bambolunye! Ngwenya! Madonsela! Rest in Peace Baba..."
Kunene is renowned for his work on popular comedy series Emzini Wezinsizwa as Mcunu – the senior hostel security guard.
He played fan-favourite Jabulani Dlomo, the uncle of Sibusiso (Menzi Ngubane) on SABC 1 soapie Generations, between 2007-2009.
Other recent TV shows that he has starred in include Scandal, Ring of Lies, Umlilo and Isibaya.
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