‘You are missed’: Criselda celebrates Kuli’s 50th heavenly birthday

South African TV host and activist Criselda Kananda has taken to social media to remember the late TV host Nomakula “Kuli” Cynthia Roberts.

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KULI WANTED TO CELEBRATE HER 50TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

TV host Kuli was an all-around media personality whose career spanned decades in the entertainment industry. She passed away on 9 February 2022, after reportedly collapsing on the set of a TV show she was working on.

The media personality would have celebrated her 50 birthday on 16 December 2022 and Criselda penned a heartwarming heavenly birthday message to her. She posted a picture of her grave and revealed that Kuli was planning to host a big celebration for her 50th birthday.

“May you keep resting my friend. You are forever missed @kuli.roberts today I would be proudly MC’ng your your 50th Birthday at @birchwoodhotel as planned for the past decade. Love always,” Criselda captioned the post.

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A post shared by Dr Criselda Kananda (@positivegp)

ALSO READ: Kuli Roberts’ children pay powerful tribute to their ‘fighter’ mom [watch]

FANS REMEMBER HER ‘SHE LEFT US UNEXPECTEDLY’

Fans took to the comments to express how much they miss Kuli. One of her friends Rendani wrote,

“Oh, it’s her birthday today? 😮I’m rocking the Brazilian hair that she gave me in 2009 after so many years of not wearing it. I just woke up & decided to put it on. Little did I know it was her birthday. She left us unexpectedly and all we have are memories.”

Xolile shared “it still shocks the system such a powerhouse I literally grew up reading her columns gone too soon and happy heavenly birthday kuli kulz.”

Kuli’s footprint will never fade from people’s hearts. Her fearlessness and larger-than-life personality captured the hearts of many and it has been difficult for many to accept her untimely passing.

KULI’S CHILDREN PAY TRIBUTE TO HER

At her funeral, her children Leaun and Thembela paid a moving tribute to her. Leaun, her son, delivered a touching eulogy in which he praised his mother for her unconditional love. He described her passing as a major blow.

“My mother shaped us into the people we are today. She was never just a TV presenter, a columnist, and an editor. To me, she was a mother with two kids that meant the world to her. I am thankful that before her passing she knew that her son had graduated with his master’s degree and had started work. I am grateful that she was able to walk her daughter down the aisle,” he echoed.

“After my mother’s memorial yesterday, I couldn’t help but just be filled to the brim with joy. Hearing everyone saying such beautiful things about her while discussing their relationships and experiences with my mom. It just felt like a key being turned inside of me, allowing me to one, accept this tragedy that has occurred. Two, celebrate her life and the time we were able to spend with her. And three, I was able to understand that many, many other stories exist that more or less revolve around my mom and her Spider-Man suit,” he said.

Kuli’s daughter Thembela, remembered her mother as a fighter who never settled for less than the best.

“My mother is a remarkable woman and I say this is because although she can’t be with us here physically. Her spirit and her love will always be with us. She had a wonderful life and tough life. God knows that he put her through a lot of trials and tribulations but he was preparing her for something more. She was a fighter. She always fought for what she wanted and she would never settle for anything less,” she said.

ALSO READ: Who was Kuli Roberts? 10 things you should know about the SA icon