by Thinus Ferreira
The South African actor Don Mlangeni Nawa, most famously known for his role as Bra Zeb (Zebedee) Matabane in SABC3's Isidingo, has died. He was 65.
Don Mlangeni Nawa's cause of death is not yet known.
"He was the heart of our family - a loving father, brother and friend," his family said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
"To the world he was a gifted and respected actor whose presence lit up every stage and screen he graced. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told and the love he gave so freely."
Don Mlangeni Nawa was born in Boksburg in 1959. He initially made his acting career debut in theatre but transitioned to film and television.
Between 1986 and 1993 Don Mlangeni appeared in the iconic South African comedy series S'gudi S'naysi on the SABC's TV2 channel in the role of Laqhasa, then credited as Don Eric Mlangeni.
In the Zuli miniseries Ubambo Lwani he appeared as David in 1989, and followed that up with the character of Zakhe in 1992's TV series Hlala Kwabafleyo and 1995's Cycle Simenon.
In 1998, he made his debut in what was to become his most iconic role however - that of Zeb Matabane in the South African public broadcaster's new multicultural weekday soap, Isidingo, on SABC3.
He stayed with this role for 16 years until he exited in 2014 following a dispute with the production company behind the scenes.
He continued with roles in Mzansi Magic's (DStv 161) The Throne in 2018, and returned to the SABC and Isidingo's short-lived replacement, The Estate, on SABC3 in the role of Shadrack Mokobane between 2021 and 2023.
Don Mlangeni Nawa's other TV roles included SABC1's Uzalo as Dhlomo during its first two seasons between 2015 and 2017 and which he initially said would be his last TV role.
But he continued. He appeared in Mzansi Magic's The River as Thato, Diliza in Rockville, as well as appearing as Mfundisi in Abomama, as John in M-Net's (DStv 101) Legacy, Zandisile in the second season of SABC1's Makoti and as Jacob in Paramount Africa's Pound 4 Pound on BET (DStv 129).
In the Netflix South Africa local drama series Soon Comes Night in 2024 Don Mlangeni Nawa appeared as Mandla Shabane, in SABC2's Stokvel he portrayed the character of Laquashe, and in e.tv's uMbali he was Cyril Qongqo.
In Mzansi Magic's first season of Shaka iLembe Don Mlangeni Nawa was King Langa in 2024, and in the channel's drama series The Republic he played Bhambatha.
In the film Losing Lerato of 2019 he appeared as a SWAT commander.
The South African public broadcaster said in a statement the SABC "has learnt with shock of the passing of veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa" and "sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and friends".
South Africa's government minister of arts, culture and sport, Gayton McKenzie, in a statement on Wednesday at 15:40, said "Don Mlangeni was more than just an actor; he was a cultural icon, storyteller and a mirror through which we saw our own struggles, joys, and triumphs".
"A husband and father of five, he was a man of immense talent who started humbly in theatre before rising to national fame."
"I grew up watching a true giant of our television screens, the great Don Mlangeni Nawa. He was a legend in the industry."
"His story is one of perseverance, passion and purpose. He didn't just act, he inspired. He didn't just perform, he transformed. South Africa has lost more than an actor. We've lost a piece of our cultural soul."
"Rest in peace, Don Mlangeni Nawa. You've played your part, and you played it to perfection."