During an exclusive interview on SABC News on Sunday, 14 April, Anele Tembe’s father Moses Tembe revealed that his family has built a library in their daughter’s memory.
ANELE TEMBE LIBRARY: MOSES ON HIS DAUGHTER’S LEGACY
In 2021, Anele Tembe fell to her death at 22 years old in an alleged suicide. She fell from the 10th floor of the five-star Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town.
During a sit-down interview with SABC News Senior Reporter Chriselda Lewis recently, Anele’s father Moses Tembe said that his family wanted to upkeep their daughter’s name by doing something special in Anele’s memory. The interview took place at a library at the Durban Girls’ College where Anele matriculated in 2017.
The library was donated by Nosipho Tembe “in loving memory of her sister” Anele. “For the family, we are still feeling so much pain, still feeling so much anguish out of the passing on of our daughter Anele… Our hearts remain so shattered into pieces by the passing on of Anele. But having said that, by the grace of God, our hearts are still beating,” Moses said.
According to Sunday World, the beautiful library has been described as a sanctuary, a museum, and a workshop. It was designed by a fellow alumnus and interior designer, Andrea Kleinloog (class of 2000).
Moses said his daughter loved reading, playing sport, and knew what she wanted out of life. “She knew what she wanted in life. As a family, we reflected on what we could do to keep her legacy and spirit alive. Because the library was always a happy space for her, we could not find a project more appropriate than doing this library,” Anele’s dad said.
MORE ABOUT THE LIBRARY
The Anele Tembe Library is nothing short of exquisite. With dark brown wooded high ceilings and warm tones of grey and white furniture, the space is like something you’d see in an Architectural Digest magazine. “It’s not only keeping her legacy/ her name alive, but it’s a project that is adding value to other kids,” Moses added.
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE ANELE TEMBE LIBRARY BELOW
According to the school’s website, after completing her matric, Anele Tembe went on to attend the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine.
“Anele “Nellie” Tembe was a beautiful soul and will always be remembered by Durban Girls’ College for her tenacity, vibrant energy, and amazing culinary skills,” the school’s tribute read.
Moses Tembe said he knows his daughter loved her life and had many plans. “She would not strip naked and throw herself down,” he said.
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