Local media personality and actress Kuli Roberts has died.
The star died on Wednesday night after she collapsed while getting ready to do a live radio crossover just before 22:00.
“She just collapsed and never woke up,” an unnamed friend told a local publication.
Kuli was 49.
A close family friend told IOL Entertainment that Kuli’s family is in shock and is preparing an official statement.
The cause of the star’s death is still unknown.
The famed television presenter and radio host was known for her activism for people living with albinism and her no-holds-barred approach to calling out wrongdoings in the entertainment industry.
After a hiatus from the spotlight to focus on other ventures, Kuli made a comeback as a co-host on “Trending SA” in 2016.
She also starred alongside Connie Ferguson in “The Queen” and more recently starred in the Netflix hit local movie “Angeliena.”
Kuli last year made headlines when she expressed her political ambitions and joined the African Transformation Movement (ATM) ahead of the local municipal elections.
At the time, she was running for candidacy in ward 65 in Tshwane.
However, her plans of holding public office ended just a week after she announced that she’d joined the political party.
Mzwanele Manyi initially tweeted: “The only @kuliroberts has joined the winning team.
Servant Kuli has signed up to serve the people of South Africa. Servant Kuli is an ATM councillor candidate for Ward 65 in Tshwane. We wish her well.”
ATM, however, later announced that Kuli had to step down due to “confidential circumstances.”
ATM announcement on Kuli Roberts. pic.twitter.com/55iydZP1oi
— Mzwanele Manyi (@MzwaneleManyi) October 3, 2021
“Due to unforeseen and confidential circumstances, it is no longer possible to have Nomakula Roberts as a member and ward councillor candidate of the African Transformation Movement,” read the statement.
The bubbly media personality recently told PodcastnChill with MacG that she hoped when she died people would remember her by being kind to one another.
"I don't want to be remembered. I want you guys to look after each other. Ubuntu is the most important."
South Africans were left in shock on Thursday over the passing of Kuli. Several celebrities have sent condolences messages to the Roberts family.
Rest Fabulously, Crazy Girl. Wow. Never thought I'd be posting this. Farewell Kuli Roberts 💔 pic.twitter.com/vwP6J9KIon
— Marc Lottering (@marclottering) February 10, 2022
Kuli Roberts❤
— M A K H A D Z I Stan (@Khadzinator) February 10, 2022
Such an amazing soul. Rest well Sister🕊 pic.twitter.com/L3JdYRAJB8
Bra bob, Kuli Roberts and Skhumba used to give me one of the funniest moments in radio history
— ZULU Cantona👑![CDATA[]]>🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 (@MjekeUTD) February 10, 2022
We lost a real one man fly on Kuli Roberts🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/qYJ7gYq9hx
To say I'm shocked that you have passed away dearest Kuli Roberts would be an understatement. I'm still trying to digest the news. Kuli Roberts. Thats the name. That will always be the name. Please greet your co-host The Jammer in heaven. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr! #RIPKuliRoberts pic.twitter.com/ZgzH8qcQUs
— Khanyi Magubane (@Khanyi_Magubane) February 10, 2022
She was unflinching, outspoken, controversial, kind, a mother. It is with a heavy heart that we learn of Kuli Roberts' passing. May her loved ones find healing in this difficult time. #CarteBlanche pic.twitter.com/VPOIftoDVl
— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) February 10, 2022
