South Africans are mourning the tragic death of veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa – fondly known as Zeb Matabane- on popular soapie Isidingo: The Need.
The 65-year-old screen star passed away after a reported short illness. With a career spanning several decades, Don was also known for his appearances on sitcoms and telenovelas like Sgudi ‘Snaysi, Stokvel, Uzalo, The Throne, and Legacy.
DON MLANGENI NAWA – CAUSE OF DEATH?
In a statement, the family of Don Mlangeni Nawa confirmed his death on Wednesday, 16 April.
The actor was best known for his role as TV dad Zeb Matabane on Isidingo: The Need from the soapie’s debut in 1998 until 2014. The award-winning soapie aired its final episode in 2020
Although the Nawa family has not addressed the cause of death, fellow actor Mabutho “Kid” Sithole told Sunday World of the late actor: “He has not been well since August last year.
“He was struggling with some parts of his body and would experience stomach pains.”
‘ISIDINGO’ ACTORS WHO TRAGICALLY DIED
Don Mlangeni Nawa was one of many Isidingo actors who have passed away.
Here are others…
Darlington Michaels
Known for his larger-than-life role as Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela – Darlington died last year after he reportedly suffered a stroke. He was 54 years old.
Michelle Botes
One of SA soapie’s original villainesses, the actress who played Cherel De Villiers, died of cancer in 2024 at the age of 62.
Jamie Bartlett
Another Isidingo villain – Jamie Barlett, who played Mike O’Reilly – died in 2022 from a heart attack.
Ashley Callie
In 2008, Isidingo’s Ashley Callie – who played Leone Haines – died from brain injuries after a head-on car collision in Linden, Johannesburg. She was 31 years old.
Lesego Motsepe
Just a few months after Ashley’s death, fellow Isidingo actress Lesego Motsepe – who played Lesedi Matabane, the daughter of Zeb Matabane – died after a battle with HIV/Aids.
Clive Scott
In 2021, Clive Scott – who played Ted Dixon – died at age 84. His cause of death was never made public.
WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ISIDINGO CHARACTER?
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