Anele Tembe was a 22-year-old South African woman who was engaged to the rapper AKA. She died on April 11, 2021, after falling from the 10th floor of a hotel in Cape Town.
She was the daughter of Moses Tembe, a wealthy businessman and chairman of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She was a chef and a model who appeared on AKA’s EP Bhovamania. She was laid to rest at Lala Kahle Cemetery in Hillcrest, west of Durban, on April 16, 2021.
Her family honoured her memory by opening a library at her former high school, Durban Girls’ College, in January 2024.
Anele Tembe Early Life and Education
Anele Tembe was born on October 11, 1999, in Durban, South Africa. She was the daughter of Moses Tembe, a prominent businessman and chairman of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She attended Durban Girls’ College, where she developed a passion for reading, travelling, and acquiring new knowledge. She also completed an 18-month cooking programme at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, where she excelled as a chef and was approved for the school’s work-study programme at The Test Kitchen in Cape Town.
Anele Tembe Career
Anele Tembe pursued a career as a model, entrepreneur, and chef. She completed her culinary studies at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine and worked at The Test Kitchen in Cape Town. She also appeared on AKA’s EP Bhovamania as a rapper on the song Finessin’.
Anele Tembe Relationship with AKA
Anele met AKA, a famous rapper, in 2020 and they started dating soon after. AKA announced their engagement on his social media platforms in February 2021, with a picture of a diamond ring on her finger. A few weeks later, he paid the traditional “lobola” to her family to secure her hand in marriage.
Their relationship was described as “passionate but not toxic” by AKA, who denied any allegations of abuse or violence. However, they also had some arguments and disagreements, which sometimes escalated to heated situations.
Unfortunately, their love story ended tragically on April 11, 2021, when Anele died.
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What happened to Anele Tembe?
Anele Tembe, the 22-year-old fiancée of rapper AKA, died on April 11, 2021, after falling from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town.
Anele and AKA were staying at the hotel as part of their visit to Cape Town. They had been engaged since February 2021 and were planning to get married soon.
Around 7:30 am, the hotel staff heard a loud thud and found Anele’s body on the street outside the hotel. Paramedics declared her dead on the scene.
The police arrived and cordoned off the area. They opened an inquest case to investigate the circumstances of her death. They also seized AKA’s cell phone and laptop as part of the evidence.
AKA was taken to the police station for questioning. He told the police that Anele had threatened to kill herself by jumping off the balcony, and that he tried to stop her but it was too late. He said that they had an argument the night before, but that it was not violent or abusive.
AKA was released from the police station and went to a friend’s house. He was in shock and grief over the loss of his fiancée. He later issued a statement saying that he was heartbroken and that every day felt like a mountain to climb.
Anele Tembe Funeral
Anele’s funeral service was held on April 16, 2021, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. Her father, Moses Tembe, denied the rumours that she was suicidal or had mental health issues. He also hinted at the possibility of substance abuse and urged the youth to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
AKA did not attend the funeral service, but he sent a letter that was read by his friend, rapper Riky Rick. He expressed his love and gratitude for Anele, and said that he would cherish their memories forever.
Anele was laid to rest at the Lala Kahle Cemetery in Hillcrest, west of Durban. Her family honoured her memory by opening beautiful a library at her former high school, Durban Girls’ College, in January 2024.
