No one ever prepares for loss, ‘but I understood the assignment’ – Lynn Forbes on AKA’s passing

As the saying goes, “to each an assignment is given,” Kiernan ‘AKA‘ Forbes’ mother has said losing her son, as untimely as it was, she understood the assignment.

“I believe that you can’t really prepare consciously. I think life prepares you for what’s to come,” Lynn, who was speaking at a Metropolitan thematic media roundtable, said.

The historic event was held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg.

It was hosted by Ayanda Allie, joined by Dr John Kani, Tlalane Ntuli and Lynn to unpack past, present and future stories on heritage and commitment.

Understanding the assignment

For Lynn, commitment meant understanding one’s role within the family. She said she had been chosen for the role of being AKA’s mother way before she even knew what would be expected of her. 

“So, in my case, I don’t think that I am a strong person, but I believe I understood the assignment, and I understand my role within the family. I think you need to understand your role as a mother and that people look up to you for guidance. And in my case, what prepared me for that is the time that my son, Kiernan, was in this industry,” she said.

“I don’t think that I am this superhuman, but I do understand that my role is to support, care, and love although I have my own things going. I have to give that support … [and be] capable of taking the legacy of this family forward.”

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Making sure that AKA’s legacy lives forever

 Speaking about sustainability and ensuring that AKA’s legacy lives beyond Kairo’s generation, Lynn commended Kairo’s mother, DJ Zinhle.

 She said Kairo had a very good role model in DJ Zinhle.

“Her mom is a very wise businesswoman. She doesn’t necessarily succumb to [wanting] things [to] happen now [mentality].

“So, I think delay of gratification is something we need to teach our children from a very young age.”

Teaching Kairo financial freedom

Lynn, affectionately known as Glammy, said Kairo was already making her own money.

But, she said instilling financial education into the young was important for them to understand how to handle money as they grow up.

 “I have always worked with Kairo from when she was little and she doesn’t know. She thinks that she is playing but her bank account is growing and that’s good. The important thing is that when you have a situation like that with a child, it is essential to look at how to put the money into the right channels.

“So, I think it doesn’t only apply to a child like Kairo. We are blessed that she is fortunate in that way, but that fortune can be mismanaged so quickly that she ends up with nothing.”

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