Anele was not suicidal, says emotional dad at her funeral

AKA’s fiancée Anele “Nellie” Tembe was not suicidal, nor did she take her own life, her father Moses Tembe said at the funeral of the 22-year-old.

Anele’s funeral took place at the Durban International Convention Centre yesterday and was live streamed on YouTube.

Anele died after an incident at the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town where she fell from the 10th floor. Police have opened an inquest docket.

Her body arrived in Durban on Wednesday.

Only 100 people were allowed at the funeral because of Covid-19 regulations.

At the service, family friend and businessman Sandile Zungu shared her father’s emotional letter about the type of person Anele was, saying she knew what she wanted and was clear on how she wanted to live her life.

He also spoke about how Moses approved of his daughter’s relationship with AKA, real name Kiernan Forbes, and that he knew they loved each other dearly.

The letter said: “I was not there when Anele met her fate last Sunday. I neither seek to attack any person nor cast aspersions or suspicions nor stigmatise any mental condition.

“However, I can’t allow an unfortunate narrative to go unchallenged. A narrative that irks me no end as a father, which maliciously pervades some circles, is that Anele, my daughter, was chronically suicidal or had suicidal tendencies,” he said.

“As Anele’s father, I hereby state categorically that Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide.”

Speaking directly to AKA, who was seated in front of Anele’s casket, Sandile said: “Kiernan, I think I know what you are going through, I know the pain that you are feeling.

“In the face of extreme emotional pain, men and women resort to all kinds of remedies. My son, I invite you to turn to the Lord and in so doing, you will become a much better man.”

The Independent on Saturday