Actress Ayanda Borotho recently took to social media to honour the memory of her late twin brother, Sandile, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 43.

Reflecting on her brother’s life, Ayanda shared about how he affectionately called her “Sho Mayandiz. She revealed that her last words to him at his funeral were “sho Hammer.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On their shared birthday earlier this month, Ayanda spent the day sleeping rather than celebrating, as grief continues to weigh heavily on her.

“Grieving hasn’t been easy,” she admitted. “No day is ever the same. Yesterday, I went home and sat in the driveway, unsure of what to expect, knowing I wouldn’t see his head pop up from the couch where he watched TV. I desperately prayed, hoping that maybe—just maybe—he would be there.”

The moment of realisation hit her when she saw his pictures on the wall. “It finally sank in… My younger brother was gone. It’s a feeling of defeat—helplessness—knowing that nothing you do or say can change the now. I simply fell apart.”

Ayanda also shared the emotional confusion that comes with mourning, describing moments of laughter that are quickly replaced by guilt.

“It’s a psychological mess. You don’t know what emotion is appropriate or when. But I’m trying to navigate this new normal as best I can,” she confessed.

Ayanda shared that over a year ago, she got the opportunity to relocate to Durban, and with hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise.

“I was intentional about spending my first six months at home in eNtuzuma, despite the sacrifices of giving up my space and not having my own room. Today, I know it wasn’t a sacrifice—it was a gift. The time spent with my siblings and mom made up for over 25 years in Johannesburg. I’m in pain but full of gratitude. God gave us time.”