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Thuthuka Mthembu, known to millions as Nonka Xaba on SABC1’s hit series Uzalo, has broken her silence following widespread social media rumours falsely claiming she had died in a car accident.
The 26-year-old actress said the viral posts, which began circulating over the weekend, left her shaken and deeply hurt. Screenshots of fake news articles, voice notes, and edited images quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, sparking panic among fans and prompting an outpouring of condolences.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Thuthuka firmly set the record straight. “I’m very much alive and well. I wasn’t in any accident, nor am I ill,” she said. “These rumours hurt not only me but also my family and friends. It’s cruel to see people joke about death.”
The actress said she was particularly disturbed by how quickly the story spread, with some small entertainment blogs and Facebook pages publishing unverified claims. “Before people even checked with me or my management, they were already posting RIP messages,” she said. “That kind of behaviour is reckless and heartless.”
Family Shock and Industry Confusion
Thuthuka revealed that her family was among the first to be affected. “My mother and siblings were panicking because they couldn’t reach me. My phone had died, and when I switched it back on, I had dozens of missed calls and messages asking if I was alive,” she recounted.
Even some of her Uzalo colleagues were momentarily alarmed. “We were on a short production break, so many of my castmates couldn’t reach me immediately. Some thought something had genuinely happened. It’s heartbreaking that a lie could cause so much chaos,” she said.
Fake Deaths Becoming a Disturbing Trend
Thuthuka’s experience isn’t isolated. Several South African celebrities have been victims of similar hoaxes in recent months. Her Uzalo co-stars Simphiwe Majozi, who plays Sbu, and Masoja Msiza, who portrays Nkunzi, have both been targeted by false death reports in the past.
The actress said it’s worrying that fake celebrity death reports have become a form of online entertainment. “It’s as if people don’t understand that behind every actor or public figure is a family — real people with emotions,” she said. “You can’t just create fake news for likes and engagement. Someone always gets hurt.”
Public Reaction and Support
As the rumours spread, fans flooded social media with confusion and disbelief. Hashtags like #RIPNonka and #ThuthukaMthembu trended briefly before being replaced by messages of relief once she spoke out.
“I almost cried when I saw those posts,” one fan commented on Facebook. “Thuthuka is one of my favourites — I’m so glad she’s alive.”
Another wrote, “People must stop spreading lies. This kind of thing can traumatize families.”
Following her clarification, fans and industry peers rallied around her with supportive messages. “She’s such a humble soul,” one colleague wrote on Instagram. “To see people play with her name like that was just wrong.”
A Lesson in Digital Responsibility
The incident has reignited conversations about the dangers of misinformation and the responsibility of online users. Experts warn that the rapid spread of fake news — especially about death — can have lasting psychological effects on both victims and their loved ones.
In recent years, several South African personalities, including actors, musicians, and politicians, have had to publicly “resurrect” themselves after being declared dead online. Many have called for stricter accountability for pages that publish false information for traffic.
Thuthuka echoed that sentiment. “I understand people use social media for fun, but there has to be a line,” she said. “Before you share something that serious, take a few seconds to verify it. That’s all it takes to prevent unnecessary pain.”
Focus on the Future
Despite the emotional toll of the ordeal, Thuthuka remains positive and focused on her growing career. She revealed that she has wrapped filming on a new comedy film titled Grade 13, which will soon premiere on Mzansi Wethu.
“It’s a lighthearted, funny story that reminds people to laugh again,” she said. “After the kind of negativity I’ve experienced online, it feels good to work on something that spreads joy.”
Fans can also expect to see her back on Uzalo, where her character Nonka continues to be one of the most loved and relatable figures in South African television. “I love playing Nonka,” she added. “She’s strong, ambitious, and real. I think that’s why so many people connect with her.”
Gratitude and a Final Message
Before ending her statement, Thuthuka expressed heartfelt thanks to those who reached out to her with kindness. “I want to thank everyone who checked in on me, who prayed, who defended me online,” she said. “It reminded me that there are still good people out there who care.”
She also issued a plea to content creators and online platforms. “Please remember that we are human,” she said. “Don’t use our names to chase clicks. Life is precious — and death is not something to joke about.”
As the dust settles, Thuthuka Mthembu stands as another reminder of how quickly misinformation can spiral — and how important truth remains in a world driven by viral content.
For her fans, one thing is certain: Nonka is alive, thriving, and ready for her next big chapter — both on and off the screen.
