South African actress Simphiwe Ngema is mourning the loss of her close friend and hairstylist, Jabu, with whom she shared a deep 20-year bond. In an emotional post on social media, Ngema shared cherished memories of their friendship, which began when she was still in high school.
“How do you summarise 20 years of friendship?” Ngema wrote. “I was in high school and needed to do my hair when we first met. I never knew that we would grow so close. I don’t even know what to say because my mind is still in denial.”
The actress spoke of the many milestones she and Jabu shared, from life’s joyful celebrations to the hardest moments. “You loved me so much. You were there for all my firsts, all the milestones, and the worst moments of my life. We cried together, we laughed together, and we celebrated together,” she reminisced.
Ngema expressed how difficult it will be to face a reality without Jabu, who was by her side for life’s biggest events, including her journey to motherhood. “Yho Jabu, Waze way’phula inhliziyo yam (You broke my heart),” she continued. “I really hoped that you would hang on just a little longer so you can meet Kabo. I will tell my kids about you… I love you, Jabu Ka Simphiwe.”
