Julia Albu, 84, Who Travelled Africa in an Old Toyota, Dies at Home, SA Reacts
- Julia Albu, the 84-year-old who travelled from Cape to Cairo in her Toyota Conquest, has died
- Albu's family confirmed the news in a touching Facebook post
- Fans of the inspirational grandmother took to the comments section, sharing messages of condolences with the family
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Julia Albu, the lively 80-year-old who travelled across Africa in her 1997 Toyota Conquest, has died. She was 84.
Source: Facebook
Heading online, Albu's children confirmed the inspirational woman's passing on Monday morning. They spoke fondly of their mom, describing the vivacious lady as an inspiration to so many.
They also confirmed the death was not Covid-19-related.
"It is with great sadness that we have to write this post, one that is far too soon for all of us. Our darling mother, Julia, an inspiration to so many, died early this morning. We are thankful that she went without pain, at home, at her time and that she wasn’t taken by Covid," they captioned the post in part.
Albu became a social media sensation when she started her Cape-to-Cairo quest in June 2017. She came back to Cape Town in February 2018, TimesLIVE reports.
Opening up about the reasons for her journey, Albu shared that the death of her partner had taught her a deeper appreciation for life and inspired her travels.
“It was an exhausting process, and after all that I thought, ‘My goodness, there really isn’t much of life left’. I feel like I’m 36 from the shoulders up and 146 from the shoulders down, and I wanted the younger me to win for once," she told BBC News.
Fans of Albu took to the comments section sharing messages of condolences with the family. Many reflected on the positive influence the 80-year-od had on their own lives.
Check out some of the comments below:
Uwe Schmidt said:
"My heart is sore but I know that the Tigress Julia i got to know and love so all to well has lived her life without regrets, without any waste of time… Julia dear friend, may you continue your African Conquest within the Lord’s Mansion in the skies… Condolences to all of the family… Rest In Peace Dear Julia…"
Alida Davis said:
"I’m so sorry for your loss. She was such an inspiration to me. She was a remarkable human. I thoroughly enjoyed following her journey here in Australia."
Kerry Foley said:
"I’m so deeply sorry - my condolences to you and your family! Your mom altered so many lives in so many ways .. God bless you."
Darlene Galloway said:
"So sad to hear this. I have loved following her adventures proving that you are never too old to follow a dream. She has been such an inspiration to me. She has left behind the most amazing memories for all."
Lianne Embleton V.d. Walt said:
"Thank you for all the inspiration Julia. What a courageous soul! May the next leg of your journey be even more wonderful & exciting. Our love & thoughts go to all your family."
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Shona Ferguson reportedly passes away, SA reacts: "Let the family confirm first"
In similar news, Briefly News previously reported that actor and The Queen producer Shona Ferguson, 47, has reportedly passed away. Reports suggest that the media mogul died at the Millpark private hospital in Johannesburg this Friday, 30 July.
Connie Ferguson's hubby was admitted to the hospital a few days ago after he complained about chest pains.
Sunday World reports that a source close to the Fergusons confirmed Shona's death. News24 also reports that Ferguson Foundation representative Conrad Mwanza confirmed the passing of the star to them.
Social media users have taken to Twitter to share that they can't believe the star is really dead. Most of them shared that they'll wait for Connie or the family to issue a statement before sharing their condolences. Check out some of the comments below:
Minister Fikile Mbalula said:
"There are news spreading like wildfire about Shona Ferguson passing away,The family has not issued any statement about this I realised that we could be part of perpetrating fake stuff. Lets wait for family. I decided to delete my earlier tweet THANK you everyone."
@Cellular_Jnr wrote:
"Mina I don't wanna be busy saying 'Rest In Peace Shona Ferguson' while the family hasn't said anything... There's this tendency on Twitter of killing people while they still alive. Let the family confirm first!"
@Dollss_ commented:
"Until a credible source confirms it, I’m not believing anything that’s currently being said about Shona Ferguson. I just refuse to believe it."
@Nomagadlela added:
"Connie is busy praying for her husband Shona Ferguson whose in ICU. Please let's stop spreading lies."
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Source: Briefly News
