Goodbye to a giant: Don ‘Bra Don’ Mlangeni-Nawa laid to rest after battle with cancer

Bra Zeb

Cape Town – Veteran actor Don “Bra Don” Eric Mlangeni-Nawa was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Saturday after passing away from prostate cancer at the age of 65.

Family, friends, colleagues, and government officials gathered at the Germiston Civic Centre in Alberton to bid him farewell.

He was remembered as a loving father, a great mentor, and a celebrated figure in South African television and theatre.

His daughter Alwande and son Ulubanzi shared emotional tributes, expressing their deep love and gratitude.

“He was a great mentor, a great music body, a great pool guy, and he was a loving father. It’s painful to see him lie in a casket because the reality is now sinking in. I’ve distracted myself for a week now getting everything prepared, but it’s real now. Daddy, wherever you are, please know that I love you so much. I love you with every single part of me,” Alwande said.

His wife, Regina, thanked the many who supported him during his illness, describing the painful journey of his health deterioration.

“I have witnessed the journey of the deformation of his health. But I wasn’t alone; I was with government officials, politicians, artists, and ordinary masses. So I’m here to say thank you! My husband had prostate cancer. The first chemo was not successful. The second one became so aggressive to his body. Chemo resulted in him generating a lot of water in his body. He was in and out of the hospital to an extent, he was discharged so he could pass on at home.”

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also mourned the loss of someone he considered a personal supporter and friend.

Honouring his four-decade career, Lesufi announced the launch of the Don Mlangeni-Nawa Mentorship Programme to support emerging artists.

“We want to thank him for his teachings,” Lesufi said.

“To honour his memory, we will launch the Don Mlangeni Mentorship Programme to support upcoming artists.

“This is our way of preserving his name, showing gratitude, and ensuring his impact continues. He truly deserves this and more.”

Lesufi shared his personal connection with the actor, recalling their conversation just days before his passing.

“Few days before his final call, a video called me excited and happy that he was recovering. Once more he committed his love for our work in government and he also persuaded us to ensure that we give support to those that need support,” Lesufi said.

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