Latest news with #DonMlangeniNawa
The South African
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Fit for 'The Don'? Isidingo star's grand tombstone revealed
Isidingo actor Don Mlangeni Nawa was honoured with a dignified funeral service and a larger-than-life tombstone erection over the weekend. The 65-year-old veteran star died earlier this month after a battle with prostate cancer. Like many late industry greats, Don Mlangeni Nawa was buried at West Park Cemetery's Heroes' Acre. On Facebook, popular funeral provider Khaabo Tombstones shared a look at the gold and black granite tombstone they had designed and erected for the actor. The stone featured a life-size portrait of Don, which was erected on three steps. On each stair was a list of the actor's industry achievements. The company posted, 'Don Mlangeni was laid to rest the executive way, fitting for an icon!' Don Mlangeni Nawa's tombstone is one of several celebrity creations spotted at Heroe's Acre. Others include, Kwaito stars: Emmanuel Matsane 'Mjokes', Prokid, Mapaputsi, and Mshoza Actors: Connie Chiume, Shona Ferguson, Joe Mafela Artists: Robbie Malinga and Mandoza During the funeral proceedings, Don's coffin was spotted being transported via a fire truck to his burial place at West Park Cemetery. According to Sphesihle J Hadebe, this was due to the City of Ekurhuleni granting him a special civil funeral. The coffin was draped in a South African flag and given an extraordinary send-off. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Don Mlangeni Nawa's cause of death finally revealed
The wife of Don Mlangeni Nawa – who played TV dad Zeb Matabane on popular SABC soapie Isidingo – revealed his cause of death: prostate cancer. The widow, Regina Nawa, made the revelation during the veteran star's funeral on Saturday, 26 April. Nawa – known for his many soapie and telenovela roles – died earlier this month at the age of 65 years old. Speaking at his funeral service, Don Mlangeni Nawa's widow, Regina, reflected on his final months, in which he battled an illness he hid from the public. She told the crowd of mourners, 'My husband had prostate cancer. He did his first chemotherapy, but it never worked, he tried a second treatment, but it became so aggressive that they had to cut it short. 'He gained weight over time, but it was false weight. The chemotherapy caused a build-up of water in his body. He was in and out of the hospital until eventually, he was released and told to go home and die with his family.' Don Mlangeni Nawa was given a short reprieve from his illness when he was given access to a medical protocol from overseas. An emotional Regina continued: 'I was forced to stop working to care for him. We were struggling financially. I called on the Premier, who came running and bought the first set of his medication. 'I also reached out to the Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, who purchased the second batch, although my husband passed before he could finish it'. Don Mlangeni Nawa is sadly not the TV industry's only victim of cancer. Last year, fellow Isidingo actress Michelle Botes – who played villain Cherel De Villiers – died of a rare blood cancer at the age of 62. In 2023, Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts died of complications from skin cancer. He was 74 years old. That same year, Binnelanders actor James Alexander died after a secret four-year battle with head and neck cancer. He was 45 years old. Also in 2023, TV and radio personality Mark Pilgrim died from stage four lung cancer. Mark had shared his year-long cancer battle with his fans on his social media accounts. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Former Isidingo star Don Mlangeni Nawa's cause of death revealed
Celebrated actor Don Mlangeni Nawa was laid to rest on 26 April in Johannesburg. The former Isidingo star's funeral service was held at the Germiston Civic Centre, and several artists, politicians, friends, and relatives attended. The seasoned actor passed away on 16 April at the age of 65. Confirmed reports have it that he has been in and out of the hospital before his untimely death. Speaking during his husband's funeral service, Regina said she wouldn't cry but say goodbye to her husband. She also revealed the cause of his death as she revealed his health woes. Regina revealed that Don lost his battle with prostate cancer. 'My husband had prostate cancer. He tried chemotherapy the first time around, but it didn't work. He tried the second time, and it became aggressive on his body. 'Chemo resulted in him generating a long for water in his body. He was in and out of the hospital to a point where they discharged him and said he should come and die at home,' she said. Don Mlangeni's wife also revealed that she had support from politicians, government officials and artists in her corner. 'I witnessed the journey of deterioration my husband went through. I didn't go through it alone. I was with government officials, politicians, artists and ordinary people. I'm here to thank people, not cry, but say thank you.' Regina also revealed that Bra Don received medicine overseas, seemingly extending his life for a while longer. 'I was forced to stop working to care for him. We were struggling financially, and I called on the Premier, who came running and bought the first set of his medication. 'I also reached out to the Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, who purchased the second batch, although my husband passed before he could finish it,' Kaya 959 noted. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Don Mlangeni Remembered as wise and humbler trailblazer
JOHANNEBSURG - The entertainment industry has paid tribute to legendary actor Don Mlangeni Nawa. He's been remembered as a wise and humble trailblazer. Family and friends gathered to bid farewell to the veteran actor, who died after a battle with prostate cancer. Nawa rose to fame in numerous productions, including Sgudi 'Snayi, Isidingo, Isidingo and The River.
Eyewitness News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
Emotional farewell for late veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa
JOHANNESBURG - An emotional farewell is being held on Saturday for veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, with his children taking centre stage in remembering the father behind the screen icon. The legendary actor - best known for his roles in Isidingo, Uzalo, and Shaka iLembe - is being laid to rest at the Alberton Civic Theatre in Gauteng's East Rand. He passed away last Wednesday at the age of 65. ALSO READ: - Late acting veteran Don Mlangeni Nawa fondly remembered by son - Late acting veteran hailed for his role in shaping industry While the cause of death was not disclosed, speakers reflected on his long battle with deteriorating health. As family and friends gathered to pay their respects to the Soweto-born thespian, it was his children's heartfelt words that echoed through the Alberton Civic Theatre. Speaking at his funeral, his five children paid tribute to their father, remembering him not only as a television legend, but as their mentor, friend, and guiding light. 'What a wonderful father he was. We will all have unique experiences that we had with him. He was a great mentor, a great music buddy, a great pool guy and he was a loving father. It's painful to see him lie in a casket because the reality is now sinking in.' They said the many life lessons he taught them will be carried in their hearts forever. 'I'm going to miss the lessons he taught me. I'll always be thankful that he always made sure to tell me that he loved me.'
