WATCH | Touching moments from Don Mlangeni Nawa's memorial service

Family and friends gathered for an intimate send-off for seasoned actor Don Mlangeni Nawa at the Soweto Theatre on Thursday.

The renowned veteran actor died aged 65. The cause of his death has not been revealed. 

His co-stars were overcome with emotion in their tributes to their friend whose love, laughter and energy filled their lives.

Actress Dineo Langa, who was the MC of the event, shared with mourners that she got the opportunity to work with the late actor.

“I got my chance with Bra Don at The Estate ... we lost a library. You could go to Bra Don telling him you wanted to do something and he would give you a back story of his experiences in the early days, give you context while encouraging you,” she said.

Actress Clementine Mosimane, who played the role of his wife on The Estate, also reflected on their time on set together. She recalled working with the actor in 2021/2022 when he was ill.

“The talent in this man is unexplainable. He was so disciplined. He had integrity. He embraced his talent with so much discipline and so much honour. I saw abuti Don losing weight, I saw abuti Don being sick — but believe you me, he kept the discipline of being a thespian” she said. 

“We started to talk and I said to him, can we pray? Every morning I would send him motivational messages. The compassion that he had for his craft ... Part of me is saying. why did you have to go so soon? On The Estate, you look at him [and] couldn't see that he was sick, but the minute they'd say 'cut', he would say, 'Let me just go take a breath.'”

Actress Keke Mphuthi, who met him on the set of The Throne, spoke of how he became a father figure in her life and reflected on the time he spent with her son.

“He protected me, above and beyond — even when I was unfairly dismissed.”

Actress Asavela Mqokiyana could not hold back her tears when speaking about how she met him in 2019 and became friends with him in 2021. Asavela said Don sent her a message the day before he passed away.

“During the most challenging times last year, I called bab' Don and he said, 'I am here because you've been there for me when I needed you most.' I'll forever be grateful for his unwavering support,” she said.

“I've lost a friend and a father. Rest in peace, bab' Don.”