South Africa’s Nadia Jaftha mourns the loss of her beloved grandfather, Solly Jaftha.
Image: Instagram/Nadia Jaftha
In a season meant to be filled with love and celebration, South African influencer Nadia Jaftha finds herself navigating the bittersweet intersection of joy and grief.
Just months after celebrating her birthday and engagement, the social media star shared the devastating news that her world had been shaken by the loss of her grandfather.
In a deeply personal Instagram post yesterday, she said a final goodbye to her beloved Solly Jaftha, her “Pa”, leaving fans heartbroken as she comes to terms with this profound loss so soon after such meaningful milestones.
Known for her infectious humour and close-knit family dynamic, Nadia Jaftha has long invited her audience into the laughter, chaos and warmth of her home life.
While her mother, Nawal Jaftha, frequently appears in her content, she has also shared tender glimpses of her relationship with her grandfather.
A TikTok video posted just days before his passing captured a beautiful moment between the two, offering a glimpse of a bond that is now a lasting memory.
Sharing the news, Jaftha posted a heartfelt tribute with the simple yet deeply emotional caption: “I’m going to miss you so so much, Pa.”
Accompanying the message was a beautifully edited montage of her grandfather, filled with moments of joy, humour and love that resonated deeply with her followers.
For Jaftha, family has always been at the heart of her story.
Fans have watched her rise from a relatable creator in Cape Town to a prominent entrepreneur and one of South Africa’s most influential digital voices.
Whether co-running ventures like Ace Labs and The Smile Bar, or starring in films such as "Who’s My Daddy?", her journey reflects resilience, creativity and strong family values.
Her grandfather’s passing comes at a time when Jaftha was preparing for a new chapter in her life.
In late 2025, she announced her engagement to her business partner, Reece Meyer, in a dreamy Bali proposal that had fans swooning.
The joy of what lies ahead now carries a gentle weight, knowing her Pa will not be there to witness it.
From what Jaftha has shared, he was someone who would have been at the centre of her biggest moments, making his absence felt even in the happiest of plans.
There are no words to bridge the space between the joy of a “yes” and the heartbreak of a goodbye.
Nadia Jaftha recently took to Instagram to share the heart-wrenching news of her grandfather's passing.
Image: Instagram/Nadia Jaftha
As news of her grandfather’s passing spread, Jaftha’s comment sections were flooded with an outpouring of love and support.
Fans, friends and fellow creators shared messages of condolence, helping her feel less alone in her grief.
One user wrote, “Sending all my love and strength to you, angel. Praying that you find peace and hope during this time. Your Pa sounded like a legend; may he rest in peace.”
Media personality Moshe Ndiki added, “So sorry, baby. Sending love.”
Words of comfort poured in from every corner of the internet, reflecting the impact she and her family have had on those who follow her life so closely.
@missy_essack wrote, “Deepest condolences, Nadia. So sorry for your loss.”
Another user, @talia.ariella, said, “Sending so much love and strength in this difficult time.”
@megan_riffel commented, “Nadia, there aren’t enough words to express the joy Pa brought to our timelines. His relationship with you was beautiful. The laughs were always hilarious. His kindness and the love he had for you were always clear."
"May his soul rest in eternal and everlasting peace, and may you be comforted during your time of bereavement. Sending you lots of love and virtual hugs. Pa was a legend.”
@Sayurikamoodley wrote, “Thank you and your mum for sharing him with us. I’m grateful for the few memories we all got to experience as well. Rest in peace, Pa. I’ll miss him, especially the laughs and his cooking.”