Category Archives: MZANSI CELEBS

MZANSI CELEBS

Nondumiso Tembe speaks on baby sister, Nelli Tembe’s passing

US-based actress Nondumiso Tembe has opened up about how heartbroken she is at the death of her younger cousin Anele “Nelli” Tembe.

Nelli, who was engaged to popular rapper, AKA, died on Sunday morning. The 22-year-old apparently fell from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel, and police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Nondumiso shared a picture on Instagram of the cousins kissing, stating: “words fail me right now.”

In her touching message to Nelli, whom she referred to as “my baby,” Nondumiso expressed how she and their family will forever hold her in their hearts. She also went on to thank those who have sent messages of support to the family.

Multi-talented US-based actress, Nondumiso Tembe speaks up about the passing of her baby sister, Anele “Nelli” Tembe.

The former Generations actress shared a short note on Instagram, expressing how pained she is; she also appreciated those who have comforted the family in a time like this.

“My baby, Ngiphelelwe amazwi – Words fail me right now. We will hold you in our hearts forever. Lala kahle, mbali yethu 💔 Thank you so much to everyone who has sent kind words of comfort for our family, ngiyathokoza kakhulu,” she said.

Nondumiso is a cousin to Nelli, and lots of persons are still in shock at her death, which occurred on Sunday morning.

MZANSI CELEBS

First people to see Nelli Tembe dead reveal Hotel manager speaks what happened

While staff at the Pepperclub Hotel, where SA rapper AKA’s fiancée Anele “Nellie” Tembe died are receiving counselling, a CCID patrol guard said paramedics tried for a while to resuscitate her when he arrived.NELLIE TEMBE COMMITTED SUICIDE AT A HOTEL
The 22-year-old plunged to her death on Sunday morning, leaving AKA – real name Kiernan Forbes – and the Tembe family distraught.


“The paramedics were already there when I arrived. I then contacted my office and other guards. The paramedics tried to resuscitate her but, after a while, she stopped breathing,” he said.

HOTEL MANAGER SAYS AKA A REGULAR CLIENT
Pepperclub Hotel management said their staff have been offered counselling. Hotel general manager Efi Ella told the Cape Times that AKA had been a regular visitor.

“It’s very unfortunate, Nellie, she is 22 years old, her partner is Mr Forbes who is a valued guest of ours and has been staying with us for many many years and we are very sad about this tragedy. Obviously, it’s traumatising so we are offering counselling to the team,” he said.

Nelli Tembe is the daughter of prominent Durban businessman Moses Tembe.

In a joint statement on Sunday, the Tembe and Forbes families said AKA was “inconsolable”, and was receiving support from family and friends.POLICE INVESTIGATING NELLIE’S DEATH
Police are yet to give an update on whether or not Tembe did in fact take her own life, however a police source who spoke to Celeb Gossip News on condition of anonymity, citing SAPS protocol, said every high profile suicide case is treated as murder until facts prove it was a genuine suicide case.

“We treat every high profile suicide case as murder or culpable homicide case until facts prove that it was a genuine suicide case,” said the cop.

CBD ward councillor Ian McMahon said the community was in shock.

“SAPS are investigating all the circumstances around the tragic death. The community is in shock, and we send deep condolences to family and friends.”

AKA’s wife death has been a tragedy with many left with heavy hearts and so many unanswered questions as she looked very happy a few hours before her death. However, people who were around the scene of the incident have come forward to explain what they had witnessed on that faithful morning.

EYEWITNESSES SPEAK ON NELLIE’S DEATH
A security guard was first on the scene where Anele “Nelli” Tembe fell from the 10th-floor penthouse of the Pepperclub Hotel has described the harrowing discovery. He said around 7.30 am on Sunday morning he heard someone scream and then a loud thud.

“I thought it was a car crash and we went to look and at first we didn’t see anything, and then someone shouted that there was someone lying on the street,” said the guard who asked to remain anonymous.Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst said paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after 8 am and that reports from the scene indicated that a 22-year-old female had allegedly jumped from the tenth floor, landing on the road below.

“Medics assessed the patient who had sustained critical injuries and was treated on scene by an advanced life support paramedic. While stabilizing the patient her condition rapidly deteriorated and she was sadly declared deceased on the scene,” Herbst said.

Meanwhile, restaurant employee Violet Matsvairo (39) went to work on Sunday just like she always did.

But tragedy was to meet her in the street this past weekend.

She was one of the first people who saw young Nelli Tembe on the street.

She said she was on her way to work when she saw her in front of the hotel.

“At first, I thought it was a drunk person but when I moved closer, I saw blood and then I knew something was seriously wrong,” said Violet, who lives in Delft.

“At that time there was only a security guard and two other people. Someone from the hotel covered her with a white sheet. Medics arrived a few minutes later. I asked the security guard who told me what had happened. I still have flashbacks.”

AKA AND NELLI’S TRADITIONAL WEDDING PLANS
AKA and his bae, who had been dating for just over a year, got engaged in February and two weeks ago celebrated successful lobola negotiations. The publication understands that on the fateful day, the pair had been spotted in town buying clothes for their traditional wedding which was scheduled to take place at the end of this month.

MZANSI CELEBS

Nelli Tembe’s teacher speaks on her passing

Tributes have been pouring in for rapper AKA’s late fiancee, Anele Tembe. Nelli, as she was affectionately known, reportedly died after allegedly jumping out of a building on Sunday morning, 11 April.

Nelli’s family, along with AKA’s family, have released a joint statement expressing their shock.

“It is with the deepest regret that we, the Tembe and Forbes families, confirm the untimely passing of our beloved fiancee, daughter, sister, and daughter-in-law, Anele Tembe. Anele tragically passed on in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 11 April 2021,” the statement read.

“We are dealing with our emotions, as she was an exceptional and gifted young woman, with so much life ahead of her. She had a sweet nature about her and was always nurturing to those around her.”
Nelli’s former teacher Jackie Cameron, who owns Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine where Nelli studied culinary, said she’s shattered.

My heart is shattered to lose such a beautiful young girl. A person full of youthful energy and oozing potential,” she said.

Jackie described Nelli as a hardworking and dedicated person.“I loved our many in-depth chats. I loved the way you extended yourself. I loved that you had a deep desire to impress. I loved that you worked hard. I loved that you never quit,” she said.

“You pushed hard when most people would have given up. From never having mopped a floor properly, to leaving my school as an absolute professional at high pressure-hosing, you took it all on with open arms.

“You impressed me with your dedication. Thank you for showing me the possibilities of growth that are within a students’ reach.

“Rest in peace. May strength be with the Tembe family – especially Anele’s biggest supporter, her father Moses, as well as Princess – and her fiancee AKA. I offer condolences and love from all at Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine – past and present students, the team, and our family.”

MZANSI CELEBS

Nelli was stubborn & loved food too much – Family MC, AKA’s father speak out

A stylish woman with a passion for food who loved her family. That’s how family members described Anele ‘Nelli’ Tembe at the first prayer meeting just a day after her death.

Nelli, who was engaged to rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes, died after she allegedly fell from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town. Her family confirmed her death in a statement.

On Monday, the Tembe family together with AKA’s family, paid tribute to Nelli. The service was held on Zoom for those who could not attend due to Covid-19 regulations.

Family spokesperson and MC, Clive Manci said Nelli loved too much food and was stubborn.

“Nelli had so much in common with her father. Her love for food, her stubborn nature, and charisma. Her father loved her and raised his kids well. At a young age he allowed them to experience the best of education and travel the world,” he says.

Trying to be strong, Nelli’s cousin Palesa Shabalala says Nelli was her advisor and confidant and affectionately called her mzala (cousin).
“Anele was my cousin and friend. She always offered advice and took charge of every situation. She was a go-getter, hard worker, had a passion for food, stylish, and had an opinion on every topic,” Palesa says.They only learned in high school that they were cousins and made sure to catch up on lost times once they found out.

“We became very close,” Palesa says.

“She wouldn’t go a week without seeing me. We explored new restaurants, went on ice cream dates. I could count on her to be there. She hosted family dinner parties and particularly Christmas eve where she was the family head chef,” Palesa adds. Palesa says she will miss her cousin dearly.


Nelli’s friend Khumbuza Cele says she is torn by the loss.

“We should not be here today. But we are here to celebrate a young passionate, proud and genuine soul.”

Khumbuza became friends with Nelli in high school and their relationship grew.

“My job at school was to put the younger girls to bed and Anele would stroll in after doing an intense skin routine. She had a bold, don’t rush me attitude. Over the next couple of years, Anele and I grew closer,” Khumbuza says.

“I never imagined we had such little time together. I thank God I was an ear for her to listen to. I appreciate I could be a source of hype. She has an abundance of sisters.”

AKA’s father Tony Forbes spoke on behalf of the Don’t Forget To Pray rapper from their Cape Town home while they sat side by side with his family.

“We extend our family’s deepest sympathy. No words can take away the pain you feel. We feel the pain with you.”

He recalled meeting Nelli last year. She was a kind, respectful and confident young woman.

“I met her during the lockdown on the many calls my son had talking about music, it was easy talking to her,” Tony says.

Two weeks ago, AKA’s family met Nelli’s family and understood why she was respectful and kind.

“They were welcoming. In the last conversation we had, she was happy, radiant, and beautiful that day. We got to share one of the happiest days of her life and that of Kiernan,” Tony says.

“We are privileged to have known her and tomorrow we travel to Durban to be there and give her the best send-off that we can.”

MZANSI CELEBS

Connie Ferguson’s grandson King Ronewa makes acting debut on Rockville

King Ronewa is following in his grandmothers footsteps of being an actor and has already made his debut on the 5th season of Rockville. Ronewa is the son of actress Lesedi Matsunyane Ferguson and photographer Austin Malema.

He probably does have the face for TV because of his memes which have made him social media famous.

Rockville is Mzansi Magic’s drama series and it features a star-studded cast including Shona Ferguson, Mbali Mlotshwa, Ayanda Thabethe, Connie, and Brenda Ngxoli.

Ever since the show returned for the new season it has been trending on Twitter and viewers were excited to see Ronewa on the show last night. Ronewa plays the character of Masego and he is Mavis’ grandson played by Connie Ferguson.

Lesedi is also an actress and she said she won’t live in Connie’s shadow and she is walking in her own lane.
 

“Funny enough, even though there will always be nepotism claims, I’ve definitely built up a repertoire where, even though my families are linked, my craft still speaks for itself. That in itself is a blessing,’ she said.

“I’m not in their shadow. I’m shining my own light and walking down the same path simultaneously. I’d like to think I’m adding to the lineage rather than being shadowed by it.”