Unathi Nkayi receives an outpouring of love and support from South Africans following the death of her father, Sakhiwo Nkayi, with many sharing tributes to honor his legacy.
In a devastating turn of events, South Africa’s beloved media personality, Unathi Nkayi, has been met with an overwhelming wave of support following the loss of her father, Sakhiwo Nkayi.
The news broke on the final day of 2023, as Unathi took to her Instagram account to share the heartbreaking news with her followers.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved father – Sakhiwo M Nkayi,” she posted, accompanying the tribute with images of her father, as well as a few touching pictures featuring him with her mother, Nondwe Nkayi.
The heartfelt announcement was met with an outpouring of love from both the public and her vast social media following.
In the post, Unathi fondly described her father as a “true treasure to us all,” a “great father,” a “beloved friend,” and an “uncle to many.”
She also shared that he had now “joined his lineage at their final resting place,” suggesting that he had passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Details surrounding Sakhiwo Nkayi’s cause of death and funeral arrangements have yet to be revealed, further deepening the sense of mystery and sadness surrounding the family’s loss.
He had studied at several prominent institutions, including the University of Wales, the University of Surrey, and the Medical University of South Africa (MEDUNSA), where he honed his expertise in psychology and began his practice.
His death, particularly in the context of his role in South African society, has sent ripples through the community, with many reflecting on the significant contributions he made to the mental health field.
Unathi Nkayi, whose career has spanned across various media platforms, often spoke about the deep influence her father had on her life. Over the years, she took to social media to highlight the vital role he played in shaping her into the person she is today.
In a memorable post from 2015, she shared a tribute to him under the hashtag #WisdomCrushWednesday, calling him her “Daddy” and celebrating his impact on her and her sisters.
Unathi wrote, “He raised his daughters to be PROUD. He raised his daughters to have self-worth! He raised us to not compromise on giving our best and expecting the best from others.”
These sentiments echoed her long-standing admiration for her father’s wisdom and the foundation of values he instilled in her from a young age.
The post also touched on how Sakhiwo had encouraged his daughters to be vocal, opinionated, loving, and generous.
On another occasion, Unathi paid tribute to her father on his birthday in November 2021, declaring that he was “her first love.”
She explained that they were “the same person in spirit and psychology,” further underlining their close bond and the deep emotional connection they shared.
The sincerity of her words resonated deeply with her fans, many of whom have shared their own fond memories of Sakhiwo Nkayi.
The loss of such a figure has reverberated beyond just Unathi and her immediate family. In the wake of the announcement, many of Unathi’s followers took to social media to offer their condolences and express their gratitude for the profound impact Sakhiwo had on their lives.
One of the many heartfelt tributes came from a follower, @tsholzletsholo, who shared a deeply personal message, saying, “Your father was my therapist.
He counseled me during my divorce and taught me to be assertive. I’d forever be grateful for him changing my life in a positive way and having a positive outlook on life. Today, I stand firm and don’t let any man ride over me simply because he guided me.”
This emotional message spoke volumes about the lasting impact Sakhiwo had, not only as a father but as a mental health professional who profoundly affected his patients’ lives.
Another follower, @gugulethumpofundhlovu, also expressed sadness upon hearing the news, reflecting on the precious memories of Sakhiwo’s wisdom.
“Glad you did the documentary when you did… now his wisdom will live with us forever,” they wrote, suggesting that Sakhiwo’s legacy would continue to inspire and uplift others long after his passing.
Similarly, @batsi_r, another follower, praised Unathi for the way she spoke about her father in a recent podcast interview, adding, “Your admiration, respect, and love for him were unmistakable.”
This comment highlighted the genuine and deep bond between Unathi and her father, which was evident in her emotional interviews and social media posts over the years.
The widespread expressions of sympathy and admiration for Sakhiwo Nkayi are a testament to the immense respect and affection that South Africans had for him.
Unathi’s social media followers have not only expressed their condolences but have also offered words of encouragement to the grieving family.
Gracechiedza, another commenter, wrote, “May God comfort you during this difficult time. May your dad’s soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon you.”
This sentiment of support underscores the collective empathy and solidarity that South Africans often share during times of loss, especially when it comes to the passing of public figures who have touched many lives.
This tragic event has naturally left Unathi and her family with a void that will be difficult to fill, but the outpouring of love from fans, fellow celebrities, and public figures has provided a semblance of comfort during this heartbreaking time.
Unathi, who has always been a source of inspiration and strength for many, now finds herself at the receiving end of that same love and support.
The tributes pouring in from all corners of the country reflect the broader appreciation for Sakhiwo Nkayi’s legacy and the impact he made on countless lives, whether personally or professionally.
The news of Sakhiwo Nkayi’s death has left many reflecting on the importance of family, mentorship, and the profound influence that a loving and wise parent can have on their children.
As South Africa continues to mourn the loss of this respected individual, it also celebrates the enduring impact of his work and the values he instilled in his family.
Unathi Nkayi’s grief is shared by many, but so is the joy of having known and been touched by a man who lived a life of purpose, wisdom, and care for others.
In the days ahead, as the Nkayi family navigates this difficult period, their loved ones, fans, and supporters will continue to offer their thoughts and prayers, ensuring that Sakhiwo Nkayi’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Through their shared grief, they will undoubtedly find strength in the knowledge that his legacy is one of love, wisdom, and service to others—a legacy that will never be forgotten.
