Nompilo Dlamini died on Monday, 30 October 2023. She was 28.
After a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis, Dlamini sighed her last breath on Monday.
While an official statement has yet to surface from her family, Dlamini’s Instagram account confirmed the 28-year-old “passed peacefully in her sleep last night.”
“As her family we’re still digesting the news and will update you about funeral arrangements in due course,” the Instagram Story read.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body by affecting the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices, making them thick and sticky instead of thin and slippery.
This thick mucus can clog the airways, leading to severe respiratory issues, chronic lung infections, and progressive lung damage.
Over time, the recurring infections and blockages of the airways can severely compromise the respiratory system, often leading to respiratory failure, which is the most common cause of death in people with cystic fibrosis.
Nompilo Dlamini obituary
The eSwatini-born Nompilo fought a valiant battle against cystic fibrosis, a severe genetic disorder that had significantly limited her zest for life from a young age.
Despite the life-threatening condition, Nompilo’s optimism and faith in the goodness of humanity shone brightly as she embarked on a fundraising mission to secure a life-altering lung transplant.
Her earnest plea for assistance resonated with hearts globally, reaching the benevolent ears of individuals and celebrities alike, among them South African rapper Cassper Nyovest, who generously contributed to her cause.
Through collective efforts, Nompilo successfully raised R1 million, enabling her to travel to India to initiate the process of obtaining a new pair of lungs.
Her journey, filled with hope and a fervour to embrace life fully, was cut short before the final goal of R2 million could be achieved for the transplant.
Nompilo often expressed her gratitude towards her “Twitter family,” whom she credited for being her daily source of motivation and the wind beneath her wings in her fight for life.
Her enthusiasm was palpable as she shared milestones of her fundraising journey, igniting a spirit of community and shared humanity among her followers.
Though she looked forward to capturing beautiful moments with her friends on the lush green grass again, her time came to a premature end.
Reactions to Dlamini’s death
Nompilo’s courage, warm smile, and unwavering hope left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. Here are a few tributes from social media following the news of her death: