Local socialite Nstiki Mazwai is in the black book of many social media followers who are mourning the loss of United States of America N.B.A. star Kobe Bryant.
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people (in total they are nine casualties) on Sunday morning.
For Mzwai, she felt it necessary to sober up many other South African fans of Bryant, by asking if American Twitter came to a standstill when Winnie Mandela died.
“Did American Twitter come to a standstill when Winnie Mandela died? Does American Twitter come to a stand still when a South African sportsman has died??? Umbuzo nje,” she wrote.
Did American Twitter come to a standstill when Winnie Mandela died? Does American Twitter come to a stand still when a South African sportsman has died???
Umbuzo nje
— BEVUYA Now Available 🎉🎶🎼 (@ntsikimazwai) January 27, 2020
Hundreds of Mzansi twitter users were divided at her tough questions and clapback to say that she should be reported.
He made an effort.
Have a lovely day Aunty.💝 pic.twitter.com/QfMvbchnBm
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) January 27, 2020
what if we ALL reported ntsiki mazwai's account as spam? like we all set a time and then we block and report her account.
i think the world would be a better place
— 🍕"EATING GOOD" OUT NOW!🍔 (@sandrahhh__) January 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/_ZeeMe/status/1221754156085628928
Entlek @ntsikimazwai should be a President ya basadi ba mo mzanzi.
She is fearless and speaks her mind, something that most south African woman are afraid off. My Queen, i #stan.— Hunadi wa Lesiba. (@TmMillicent) January 27, 2020
Meanwhile a number of local celebrities expressed shock at the news of Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna death.
According to US reports the authorities in Los Angeles County said it could take several days to recover bodies from the crash site, as the helicopter crashed in rough terrain.
Jesus this is heartbreaking.
— Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) January 26, 2020
Actress and TV presenter Pearl Thusi expressed her shock at the news and wish strength to the NBA star’s wife Vanessa and three surviving children.
“Vanessa Bryant’s heart… Lord please hold it close, warm, safe. Their children… Guide them. Comfort them,” she tweeted.
https://twitter.com/PearlThusi/status/1221535167606591489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1221535167606591489&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbriefly.co.za%2F51369-mzansi-celebs-heartbroken-by-news-kobe-bryants-tragic-death.html
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha who currently lives in the US was also among the few local personalities to express heartbreak of Bryant death.
The grief in the Bryant home in this very moment and every other moment they will spend for the rest of their lives is unimaginable.
May God and the angels of heaven cradle them
May there be peace beyond understanding
May we all hold them in prayer❤️🕊 #KobeBryant #GiannaBryant pic.twitter.com/1t5Q7NnUIz— Nomzamo Mbatha (@NomzamoMbatha) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/SizweDhlomo/status/1221693559000223744
Among the first political parties to issue a statement on the passing of the NBA’s fourth all-time leading scorer was the EFF who praised the athlete for displaying “black excellence” throughout his career, and thanked him for fighting against the evils of racism during a glittering 20-year career.
“Kobe Bryant was one of the most celebrated and talented basketball players of his time. His tragic passing at the age of 41 comes with great pain to us all. After giving the world the excellence of his sportsmanship and the magnificent of his skill, he deserved a long life.”
“Against a backdrop of racism, Bryant and his generation stood for black excellence. He is a legend who will continue to paint many walls of black lives to inspire greatness and pride. May his soul rest in eternal peace” said EFF spokesman Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.
EFF Statement on the Tragic Passing of Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant. #RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/prcDfZOMrr
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) January 27, 2020
By Nokuthula Zwane
