On the morning of April 16, a beloved star dimmed from our skies. Don Mlangeni-Nawa—veteran actor, masterful storyteller, and gentle soul—took his final bow at 65, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the sky.
By Staff Writer
The South African creative industry is reeling from yet another blow. As dawn broke on April 16, the nation awoke to the heartbreaking news of Don Mlangeni-Nawa’s passing.
A titan of the screen and stage, Mlangeni-Nawa—affectionately known as Bra Sugar—leaves behind a legacy as vibrant as the characters he brought to life. From the gritty intimacy of township theatre to the gleaming sets of national television, his journey was a testament to immense talent, relentless dedication, and quiet dignity.
Like many of his generation’s acting greats, Bra Sugar honed his skills in the crucible of township theatre—South Africa’s original university of the arts. Guided by legends like Boikie Mohlamme in Meadowlands and Gibson Kente in Dube, he absorbed the rhythm of everyday life – and learned to wield narrative as a mirror to society.
His transition to television brought him into the homes—and hearts—of millions. His gift was more than just performance; it was a presence. He did not merely portray characters—he became them.
Who could forget Zakhe Mhlongo from Hlala Kwabafileyo? The powerful businessman whose near-death experience ripped open long-buried family wounds. With every furrow of his brow and tremor in his voice, Bra Sugar gave us a man struggling to reconcile with the chaos of his second chance. It wasn’t a performance—it was an immersion.
And then there was Laqhasha—the knobkierie-wielding mashonisa in the iconic 90s sitcom S’gudi S’naysi. Equal parts menace and mischief, he was a villain you couldn’t help but laugh with. Through Laqhasha, Bra Sugar revealed his range, his impeccable comedic timing, and his deep understanding of the human condition.
The family’s official statement captured his essence perfectly:
“To the world, he was a gifted and respected actor whose presence lit up every stage and screen he graced. He was the heart of our family—a loving father, brother, and friend. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.”
That love—so freely given—also found expression in his decade-long portrayal of Zeb Matabane on Isidingo. As the father of Parsons (Tshepo Maseko) and Lettie (Lesego Motsepe), and the husband of Agnes (Keketso Semoko), Bra Zeb was the embodiment of a black South African patriarch navigating love, generational change, and economic uncertainty. Bra Sugar brought warmth, humour, and gravitas to the role, reminding viewers that the personal is political and the domestic is profound.
His body of work spanned decades and genres: from his television debut in Ubambo Lwami (1989) to an international appearance in Cycle Simenon (1995), to roles in Uzalo, The River, The Estate, Legacy, Pound 4 Pound, and more.
His portrayal of Moseki in The Throne (2018) marked another high point, as did the Lifetime Achievement Award he received that same year at the Royalty Soapie Awards. He was also honoured with a SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Actor in a TV Soap in 2006—just one of many testaments to his enduring influence.
Even in his later years, he continued to evolve, surprising audiences with his role as a SWAT commander in the 2019 film Losing Lerato and appearing in Shaka iLembe (2023). His final screen credit was in Soon Comes Night (2024), a fitting finale to a life spent in service of storytelling.
Bra Sugar’s passing leaves a void—an echo of a voice that once gave life to some of South Africa’s most iconic characters. But his legacy is indelible.
Through his roles, he showed us our hopes, our contradictions, and our resilience. He reminded us of the power of art to heal, to reflect, and to connect. His star may have set, but its light will shine on in the hearts of those who watched, learned, and loved.
Bra Sugar’s final curtain may have fallen, but his performance lives on. And what a performance it was.