Her passing, on May 22, shocked the whole community, prompting heartfelt messages of condolences from many who knew her. During the memorial service, many recalled how they used to meet her at Realogile every Sunday, while others remembered how they frequently saw her at the 15th Avenue taxi rank every morning. Community members were amused as some speakers reflected on the humorous moments of her life, emphasising that Nana girl would ask them for money, from as little as R2.

Ntombizodwa Makhubela, a member of the family, emphasised Nana girl’s popularity in Alex. “There was no one who did not know Nana girl. That is why we used to say she is the queen of Alex. She loved music and that is why I am saying: ‘Let us send her off with music on Saturday’.”

Other community members, including her neighbour Mme Baloyi, spoke fondly of Nana girl, noting that she was a very intelligent lady. “She was so intelligent that people would think she was not sane. She was a celebrity in her own way. Let us respect people like Nana girl because God made them like that. Look at how she is a celebrity today, she is not only known in Alex, but all over.”

The Makhubela family expressed their gratitude to scores of Alex residents who came in numbers to support the family, and urged them to extend the same level of support to other families that are mourning as well. They further revealed that Nana girl will be laid to rest on May 31.

Related article: Memorial for Masekela