'Kuli served her purpose the best way she knew how'

Activist, radio and TV personality Chriselda Kananda has paid a powerful tribute to the late media personality and fashion journalist Nomakula “Kuli” Roberts. 

Roberts, 49, died on Thursday night, her family confirmed in a statement.

Kananda, who has known Roberts for 20 years, defined her as a gentle, loving and pure soul. She told Sowetan that Roberts, who worked for many publications which include Sunday World, Pace magazine and Kaya FM, was a wonderful mother and an activist of note. 

“She was intelligent and served her purpose the best way she knew how. She stood for causes that protect the rights of the vulnerable. She was more than just a friend, she was my sister that I loved dearly. She was my daughters’ favourite auntie who was present at birthdays and special family occasions.”

“She was a woman of her conviction who stood her ground. A crier of note, we shared many teary moments about umjolo, our grown children who were leaving the nest, leaving us lonely and so many grown-up girlie talks,” she said.

As an activist, Roberts was worried that patriarchy still dominated the media space.

According to Kananda, she was worried that the media space was dominated by men who disregard intelligent, qualified and intellectual females in the industry.

“I know that our friendship may raise an assumption that she was not well because of my advocacy. This is such a sad reality of how we stigmatise people for being themselves. As a former model, my friend had a thing about ageing and discovered some Chinese herb for weight loss, which I’d been asking her to share for months.

“I’ve lost the love of my life who loved so deeply and believed in just God. She was fighting unfair dismissal and was winning that battle. Kuli came, loved, danced, entertained and served humanity. I will miss her signature laughter.”

Family statement said about her passing: “It is with profound regret and sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our dear daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt Nomakula ‘Kuli’ Roberts. Her love for family, friends, work and very importantly her community is well known. We humbly request that you respect our need for privacy, as we go through this difficult period of grieving and healing.”

Selimathunzi producer Joe Correia, who is famously known as Baby Joe, defined Roberts as one of the highly talented media people. Correia said, however, the industry never fully embraced all the talents that Roberts had. “She was one of the few all-rounders in journalism. Kuli was good in writing, hosting, commentary and had amazing interviewing skills. But I don’t think she got all the support to expose her talents.

“When it comes to a personality, she was darling and had a capacity to turn a boring event into a great event. She loved partying and enjoyed good times.”