Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his mother, Lynn Forbes at Anele ‘Nelli’ Tembe’s funeral on 16 April 2021 at the Durban International Convention Centre. Ima

On Friday, Anele ‘Nelli’ Tembe’s funeral service was held at the Durban International Convention Centre. The ceremony was a touching and emotional final send off attended by close family and friends. 

The 22-year old, who was engaged to popular rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes, passed away in Cape Town in a tragic fall from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Loop street. The reason for her fall is still unclear.  

AKA was in attendance with both of his parents, Lynn and Tony. 

Anele’s sister, Zama, read out Anele’s obituary; pastors Sinhle Cindi and Merick Habile shared words of comfort and strength; the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Bongani Tembe, and the Clermont Community Choir shared heartfelt musical tributes; and businessman Sandile Zungu read out a letter penned by Anele’s father, Moses Tembe.

As Anele’s father, I herby categorically state that Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide

Moses Tembe, Anele’s father

In the letter, Anele’s father expressed how much he loved her and how happy she made him. He also cleared up speculation that Anele was ‘suicidal’ and that she committed ‘suicide’. 

Gallery from the burial

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“As Anele’s father, I hereby categorically state that Anele was neither suicidal nor did she commit suicide,” he said. He also added that not a single member of the family would have ever associate Anele with suicide. 

When the funeral service ended, the family went to the Lala Kahle Cemetry in Hillcrest where Anele’s body was buried in her final resting place. 

Let’s take a look at images from inside the funeral service at the Durban ICC: