Nompilo Tengetile Dlamini, a 29-year-old woman from Eswatini, who inspired many with her courage and positivity in the face of a life-threatening lung disease, dies.
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Lung Disease Warrior Nompilo Dlamini Dies
Her family announced her death on her Instagram account yesterday. The Dlamini family said:
“Dear friends and family. Nompilo passed away peacefully in her sleep last night [30 October 2023]. As a family, we are still digesting the news and will update you about the funeral arrangements in due course.”
Nompilo was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) at the age of 10, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and other organs. She had to rely on a ventilator to breathe, which she carried around with her everywhere, including on her social media videos. She was also a nursery school teacher and a vlogger, sharing her journey and raising awareness about CF2.
Nompilo needed a lung transplant to survive, which was estimated to cost R2 million. She appealed for donations from the public and received support from many people, including celebrities. One of them was rapper Cassper Nyovest, who donated R150 000 to her cause and helped her raise more funds. Nompilo expressed her gratitude to him and everyone who contributed to her dream of getting a new lung.
However, Nompilo also faced cyberbullying and negativity from some people who doubted her condition. She remained strong and resilient, saying that she was not afraid of dying but wanted to live as long as possible. She also said that she wanted to inspire others with CF and show them that they can still enjoy life despite their challenges.
X Heartbroken
Nompilo’s death has saddened many people who followed her story and admired her spirit. Social media users have flooded Twitter and Instagram with tributes and condolences, calling her a warrior, a fighter, and an angel. Some bashed X users who once bullied Nompilo when she begged Elon Musk for money to buy tablets and when she once drank alcohol.
Lolo:
“I hope those cyber bullies and evil people are happy now that she’s finally gone, you ran your race, gave us hope…I’m beyond shattered……#RIPMpilo 💔💔💔💔”
Thabi:
“One thing that Nompilo’s bullies on the TL exposed was their ignorance on what chronic means. Life wasn’t kind to her and yet with every breath she educated us when she didn’t need to.”
Tasha:
“Bullying is not just about physical violence, it’s also about psychological violence, the kind of violence that leaves scars on the soul. #RIPMpilo”