Nelli Tembe, known as Anele, was a South African model and entrepreneur. Raised in the Eastern Cape, she tragically ended her life on April 12, 2021, when she reportedly took her own life by jumping from a 10-story building. Beyond her public persona, Nelli was admired for her style and charm. Her relationship with South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, AKA, increased her public profile.
Nelli Tembe Biography
| Full Name: | Anele Tembe |
| Stage Name: | Nelli Tembe |
| Born and Died: | (October 11, 1998 – April 11, 2021) |
| Place of Birth: | Durban,KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Height: | 1.75 m |
| Parents: | Moses Tembe, Lulu Msomi-Tembe |
| Siblings: | Nondumiso Tembe |
| Husband • Spouse: | Not Married |
| Boyfriend • Partner: | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Children: | N/A |
| Occupation: | Media Personality |
| Net Worth: | $200,000 |
Early Life
Nelli Tembe (October 11, 1998 – April 11, 2021). Her roots are traced back to Durban, a picturesque coastal city in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her family, including her father, Moses Tembe, and her mother, Lulu Msomi-Tembe, provided the foundation for her upbringing.
Growing up, Nelli shared her journey with an elder sister, Nondumiso Tembe. Nondumiso, a prominent South African entertainment scene figure, carved her path as an accomplished actress, adding to the family’s legacy of talent and success.
Education
Following her marketing and fashion design studies, Nelli Tembe ventured into fashion entrepreneurship. Armed with her skills and vision, she founded her fashion label, aptly named the “Nelli Tembe Collection,” marking the beginning of her creative journey in the fashion industry.
Career
As a young girl, Nelli Tembe harboured a passion for the culinary arts, dreaming of becoming a chef one day. Her journey towards this dream began after her time at Durban Girls’ College when she enrolled at the esteemed Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.
There, she immersed herself in intensive chef courses, honing her skills and earning recognition nationally and internationally. According to her brother, Vukile Tembe, Nelli aspired to achieve the pinnacle of culinary excellence as a Michelin-star chef.
Upon completing her training at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, Nelli wasted no time bringing her culinary vision to life. With the support of her proud family members, she established her kitchen at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom in Durban.
Though the exact success of her venture remains unclear, Nelli’s determination to carve her path to success, even at a young age, was evident to all who knew her. During this time, fate intervened, propelling her into the limelight when her relationship with AKA thrust her into the public eye.
Personal Life
Nelli Tembe’s entrance into the public eye came with the revelation of her relationship with the widely celebrated South African rapper. Before her tragic passing, she shared a romantic bond with Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, better known as AKA.
Their love story captivated audiences in February 2021 when the couple hinted at taking their relationship to new heights. Nelli and AKA were not shy about showcasing their affection, often sharing glimpses of their romance on their social media platforms.
Despite her initial low profile, Nelli’s presence in the public eye grew after she posted a brief video of herself and AKA sharing a tender moment in a restaurant in 2020.
However, their relationship took a tumultuous turn as rumours surfaced of alleged violence and abuse from AKA towards Nelli. During these challenges, AKA revealed that Nelli had been battling depression—a revelation that added a poignant layer to their narrative.
Death
Tragically, Nelli Tembe’s life came to a sudden and heartbreaking end on April 12, 2021. Reports emerged that she tragically took her own life by jumping from a 10-story building.
The circumstances surrounding Nelli’s decision to end her life remain shrouded in mystery, leaving many questions unanswered. Speculation arose, suggesting that her struggles within an allegedly abusive relationship may have played a role.
However, her fiancé refuted these claims, asserting that Nelli had been grappling with depression long before they met. He emphasized his efforts to support her through her struggles despite the challenges they faced, highlighting the complexity of mental health issues and the limitations of external support.
Age
She was 22 years old at the time of their death. She was born on October 11, 1998, and died on April 11, 2021.
Social Media
Check her profile on her social media platforms:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Net Worth
She had an estimated net worth of $200,000
FAQs
Why did the NPA not prosecute aka?
According to NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila, Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Nicolette Bell decided not to prosecute Kiernan “AKA” Forbes for the death of his late fiancée Anele Tembe due to extensive investigations.Â
Who is Nellie Tembe’s father?
Moses Tembe is the father of Anele “Nellie” Tembe, the late fiancée of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes. Moses owns several fast-food outlets, shipping companies, and filling stations.
Who is Nellie Tembe?
Nelli Tembe, known as Anele, was a South African model and entrepreneur. Raised in the Eastern Cape, she tragically ended her life on April 12, 2021, when she reportedly took her own life by jumping from a 10-story building. Beyond her public persona, Nelli was admired for her style and charm. Her relationship with South African rapper Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, AKA, increased her public profile.
What does Moses Tembe own?
He owns Moses Tembe Investments (PTY) Ltd, which earns an estimated annual revenue of $2.45 million.