Legendary ‘Isidingo’ star Don Mlangeni Nawa, known as Zeb Matabane, has died

Screen veteran Don Mlangeni Nawa has died. He is one of the most recognisable faces on the small box with a career spanning over three decades.

Screen veteran Don Mlangeni Nawa has died. He is one of the most recognisable faces on the small box with a career spanning over three decades.

Image by: File

Published Apr 16, 2025

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Legendary South African actor Don Mlangeni Nawa has died. His family confirmed the news in a statement.

The screen veteran has been one of the most recognisable faces on the small box for at least three decades.

He is famously known for portraying Zebedee Matabane on the former SABC 3 soapie “Isidingo”. He portrayed the role for 16 years.

“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. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely,” read the statement.

In 2018, the thespian was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Royalty Soapie Awards. He is known for his role on productions such as "The Estate", “The Throne”, “Legacy”, "Sgudi Snaysi", "Uzalo", and "Abomama".

Following news of the actor’s passing, tributes have been shared on social media by those who worked with him and his fans.

IOL Entertainment