The entertainment industry in South Africa was left shaken and deeply moved at the memorial service of legendary actress **Nandi Nyembe**, where fellow actress **Lerato Mvelase** delivered a heartfelt and powerful message that sparked debate across the nation.
Standing before colleagues, family, and fans, Mvelase broke down in tears as she boldly addressed one of the most pressing issues facing the country’s creative sector: the lack of meaningful government support for artists. Her emotional speech has since gone viral, igniting conversations on social media and beyond.
“We Are Not Charity Cases”
Mvelase did not hold back as she criticized government leaders and politicians for what she described as hypocrisy. She condemned the tendency of political figures to attend funerals of celebrated artists, despite ignoring their struggles while they are alive.
“It is wrong for them to attend our funerals when they do nothing to protect us while we live,” Mvelase declared. “We are not charity cases. We need real policies that protect us.”
Her words resonated deeply with many artists in attendance, as well as ordinary South Africans who have witnessed the recurring pattern of high-profile politicians paying tribute to artists after death, without providing structural support to safeguard their livelihoods.
A Broken System
The actress highlighted how the entertainment industry, despite being home to some of the country’s most talented individuals, remains vulnerable and unstable. She lamented that **for more than 30 years**, South African artists have been pleading for recognition, fair compensation, and proper social security structures—but little has changed.
“Young actors must even think of a plan B,” Mvelase said, urging upcoming talent to prepare for alternative careers because the industry is not secure. Without policy reform, she warned, actors and performers will continue to face poverty, unemployment, and lack of medical or retirement benefits.
A Cry for Change
Mvelase’s outburst was not just a moment of grief; it was a rallying call for systemic change. Her plea represents the frustrations of countless artists who feel abandoned by the very government that often celebrates their cultural contributions when convenient.
The absence of long-term support mechanisms, such as pension funds, health insurance, and consistent funding for the arts, has left many legends dying in poverty. Some families even rely on public donations to bury once-beloved entertainers, a reality that continues to haunt the creative community.
Public Reaction
The emotional moment sparked a wave of discussions online, with many South Africans agreeing with Mvelase’s stance. Social media users echoed her sentiment that politicians should not attend artists’ funerals if they refuse to support them in life. Others argued that her speech should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to finally prioritize the arts sector.
As South Africa continues to mourn the passing of Nandi Nyembe, Mvelase’s message rings louder than ever: artists deserve respect, not just in death, but throughout their lives. Until real change happens, the industry will remain trapped in a cycle of neglect, leaving future generations of actors vulnerable to the same painful struggles.
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