What you said about Zinhle attending AKA’s memorial

21 February 2023 - 10:30
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DJ Zinhle attended the memorial service of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes with their daughter, Kairo.
DJ Zinhle attended the memorial service of Kiernan "AKA" Forbes with their daughter, Kairo.
Image: Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape

The majority of TimesLIVE readers believe there was no problem with DJ Zinhle attending her former partner Kiernan “AKA” Forbes' memorial service.

AKA was killed outside a popular restaurant in Florida Road, Durban on February 10. Celebrity chef and author Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane was also killed in the shooting. 

DJ Zinhle’s attendance at a memorial service for the slain rapper last week started a debate on social media, with some people saying as a married woman she should have not attended the event. Some cited “traditional practices” preventing her from attending. 

AKA and Zinhle have a daughter together, Kairo. The DJ comforted their teary seven-year-old throughout the memorial service on Friday that was held in Sandton. 

On Monday, TimesLIVE ran a poll asking what people thought of Zinhle attending the memorial service.

49% of readers said she was free to choose whatever she wanted to attend, while only 7% voted that Kairo’s mother should have not attended the memorial. 

44% rallied behind the DJ, saying Zinhle was simply comforting her child. 

The debate continued on social media.  

Ouma M J Mathebulamaseko said: “People should stop judging Zinhle, Kairo. She is only seven years old and her father was taken away in a gruesome way. Can we really deny the little girl the love from her only parent she is left with? Zinhle, I applaud you for being there for your daughter. Never mind the haters.” 

Makarina Buthelezi said: “If a married man would go to his ex-girlfriend's or baby mama’s funeral and show emotion or even cry the views would change completely in the comments section.” 

Terrence Mfiso said: “I think she did a good thing. Separated parents doesn’t mean enemies, especially if it’s in the best interest of a common denominator — being their child here. So much negativity has surfaced due to the toxic relationship culture between separated baby mamas and baby daddies making it a norm not to have healthy relationship. It’s what I call maturity and responsibility.” 

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