Cape Town – Tributes continue to pour in for celebrated lifestyle journalist, actress, author, radio and television host, Kuli Roberts, who passed away on Wednesday on the set of her new show.
In a statement released on Thursday, her family confirmed her death and asked for privacy as they deal with “this difficult period of grieving”.
“It is with profound regret and sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our dear daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt Nomakula ‘Kuli’ Roberts. She sadly passed away late last night (10th February) in Johannesburg.
“We humbly request that you respect our need for privacy, as we go through this difficult period of grieving and healing. We ask that you please keep us in your prayers,” said the Roberts and Mboya family statement.
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The entertainment industry is still reeling in shock after the tragic news.
Kuli’s death has been trending all over the social media platforms, with details surrounding her death not yet known.
According to Drum a close source said that Kuli was perfectly fine on that morning when they were together.
“I was with her on Tuesday and in the morning Wednesday at 6 am, we were laughing about her wig and her going bald for a shoot she was doing. She was okay, she was not sick. She was fine….She was happy….She was dancing at the opening of a show she was doing, and she just collapsed,” Drum quoted the anonymous source.
Muthaland Entertainment label owner Lance Stehr has shared fond memories about Kuli.
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“I am going to miss her spontaneity and the attitude that always gave her the spotlight in situations. She was fearless and never backed down to anyone. Her crazy spirit always kept us entertained and she was demanding, but demanding in a daughterly way,” TshisaLive quoted Stehr as saying.
In an interview she recently had with Mac G on his Podcast And Chill show Kuli said she didn’t want people to remember her, instead people should “look after each other and bring back the spirit of Ubuntu”.
“I don’t want to be remembered, I just want you guys to look after each other. I want you to look after the people that are downtrodden on,” she said.
Kuli died at 49, leaving behind her two children, her grandchild, her parents and three siblings.
Here are the reactions on social media from her showbiz friends:
I am still in shock??My heart goes out to Kuli’s children, family and loved ones. She’s was one of a kind – an icon! #RIPKuliRoberts
— Terry Pheto (@TerryPheto) February 10, 2022
Bow out my dear sis, yours was a life lived a 100 times better than how most of us wish we could, those who loved you, loved you for your truth and resolve and same as those who didn’t! Consistent to the end! We will meet again for that coffee!#RIPKuliRoberts Rest in #PEACE! pic.twitter.com/OHRWAmHZPy
— Sello Maake KaNcube ?? #TheVoice_Play (@sellomkn) February 10, 2022
Ok.
Kuli, I am shaking writing this because we spoke minutes before you passed and I’m still waiting for you to call be back. Or turn those grey ticks to blue and respond. Wow.
Your last words to me last night, after our call was cut short, is “no issue, chat later boo”… pic.twitter.com/pevzOisvbT
— Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (@LadyNam_BM) February 10, 2022
RIP to one the most fearless, effervescent, incandescent and realest queen in the industry @kuliroberts❤️
— Bonnie Mbuli (@BonnieMbuli) February 10, 2022
#KuliRoberts I am devastated to hear the news of your passing! This pic was taken 4 months ago. May your happy joyous beautiful soul RIP ? pic.twitter.com/3rQhc2Ro9y
— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) February 10, 2022
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Picture: Facebook/ Relebogile Mabotja
Compiled by Odwa Shumi
