Nomakula “Kuli” Roberts, South African media personality and actress, who appeared in Mzansi Magic's telenovela The Queen and Netflix’s film Angelina, has died at 49.

In a statement released on Thursday, 10th February by her family, they confirmed her death and asked for privacy.

Part of the statement read: “It is with profound regret and sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our dear daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt Nomakula ‘Kuli’ Roberts (49). She sadly passed away late last night (10th February) in Johannesburg.”

It continued, saying, “We humbly request that you respect our need for privacy, as we go through this difficult period of grieving and healing. We ask that you please keep us in your prayers.”

According to a post in the South African, Roberts died on Wednesday night on the set of her upcoming television show, Heavy Hitters, which was scheduled to run on SABC1.

Roberts is best known for presenting several South African television shows, including The Real Goboza, What Not To Wear, and TrendingSA. She also worked as an editor at Fair Lady magazine, Drum magazine, and Sunday World newspaper.

In an interview with Podcast and Chill show in September last year, Roberts was asked “What do you want to be remembered as?” She replied, “I don’t want to be remembered/. I want you guys to look after each other. I want you to look after people that are downtrodden on and still downtrodden on. I want you to look after the people with albinism. I need you to look after the LGBTQIA community. I need you to look after Black people.”

A memorial service for Roberts will be held tomorrow, and a private funeral will take place the day after, on Thursday, which will be live-streamed. Both will happen in Johannesburg.