Nyembe passed away last week on the 24th of August - due to deteriorating health - at the ripe age of 75.
Mourners gathered in honour of her memory at The Market Theatre in Newton, Johannesburg.
Mvelase - who was the ceremony's programme director together with fellow actress Rami Chuene - stepped up to the podium shortly after the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture's deputy director, Sibusiso Tsanyane delivered his eulogy, according to TimesLive.
"I know this is not a space where political issues should be addressed but there is something I need to say. Mr. Sibusiso, I urge you to let the minister know that going forward artists will no longer allow the department to come and celebrate with us. It is not a fight with the department, it is a fight with the system which has been putting actors down for our whole lives," she said.
"We have been sold a dream that will never be realised. All of us here can sing, strike and even shut down the industry, but until we have regulations and policies that put our needs and our careers in the same light as any other industry, we are on our own," said Mvelase.
Her stance comes after a viral video on social media of Nyembe - before her passing - lamenting her financial woes and dried up resources, petitioning for help.
Gayton McKenzie responds
The minister of the (DSAC) Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie aired out his views against the public's backlash of the department not supporting Nyembe during her cry for help.
McKenzie took to social media to let it be known that he "will never take this abuse and lies".
McKenzie claims that he was there for the Nyembe family upon hearing of their "dire" situation.
"I will never take this abuse and lies, upon hearing of the dire situation of Ma Nandi Nyembe, I immediately send her 20k, she thanked me profusely. Upon being notified of her death, I took the first flight out of Cape Town to visit the children. I was warmly received," he said.
A thread: I will never take this abuse and lies, upon hearing of the dire situation of Ma Nandi Nyembe, I immediately send her 20k, she thanked me profusely. Upon being notified of her death I took first flight out of Cape Town to visit the children. I was warmly received.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 28, 2025
"I was never asked for money by family, I offered my children's money, not the department's money to assist more. I can't be told by people who only rock up when cameras are present, where were you when she didn't have money for medication? I did my part for someone in need," said the minister.
I was never asked for money by family, I offered my children’s money, not the departments money to assist more. I can’t be told by people who only rocks up when cameras are present, where were you when she didn’t have money for medication? I did my part for someone in need.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 28, 2025
Nyembe is expected to be laid to rest on the 30th of August.
