After she was nominated for an Emmy Award this week for her performance in the local drama Home Affairs, Lerato Mvelase is angry that she is not being given money to go to the ceremony.

Mvelase has been nominated in one of the Best Actress categories for her role as Katlego in the series, but said she "is not happy" because it looks like she is going to watch it on TV like everybody else.

With only weeks to go until the November 22 ceremony at New York's Hilton Hotel, where the who's who of US celebrity will gather, Mvelase lamented that it "seems no one wants help me hold the South African flag high".

"I was crying today because I can't find anyone willing to help me raise funds.

"I need R125000 to get there and represent my country. This is not just about myself but also about being proud of my country. What happens if I win?"

Mvelase is up against British actress Helena Bonham Carter, German actress Iris Berben, and Brazilian actress Lilia Cabral.

The four-season local drama focuses on South African women's stories. Mvelase's character is raised by her grandmother and becomes a victim of hijacking.

In 2007, Home Affairs was nominated for an Emmy in the same category, for actress Brenda Ngxoli, who couldn't attend for the same reasons.

Mvelase said: "It would hurt to win and not be able to stand on that stage with pride and thank my own country.

"Not even my government would have helped me get there."