Celebrated South African actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, renowned for his role as Bra Zeb Matabane on Isidingo – a popular TV series watched across Africa and beyond, has died at the age of 65, his family confirmed the news via in a statement posted on Instagram.
The statement reads in part:
“He was 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,” the family said. “His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely.
The cause of his death is not yet public.
Isidingo lingers around the lives of people catering to various sects of the society, including people from the working class to those belonging to the elite class.
Don Mlangeni revelation was in the 1980s as Laqhasha on the popular South African sitcom Sgudi Snaysi and went on to feature in numerous local productions, including Uzalo, The Throne, The River, Legacy, The Estate, and Savage Beauty.
In 2006, he won a South African Film and Television Award for Best Actor and was later honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards at both the Royalty Soapie Awards and the Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards.
In the wake of the actor’s passing, many of those who worked with him and his fans have shared tributes on social media.
A fan with a handle Madlomo2 wrote; Rest in peace Bab’ Don. The kindest , calmest and funniest man I ever got a chance to meet with a heart of solid gold. Thank you for all you did to try make this industry better. Your efforts will never be forgotten.
Another described him as once in a lifetime talent… he will be sorely missed. Chesty_m wrote, What a legend. A giant tree has fallen and we are left poorer. May his soul rest in peace
The family has requested privacy during this time of grief and said memorial and funeral details would be made public on a later date.
