Durban-based celebrity hairstylist Snenhlanhla Neneza Mthembu popularly known as Sne or Neneza is reflecting on a difficult seven months of her life, sharing an emotional message about survival, healing and the second chance she believes God has given her.
The media personality has chosen to speak openly about the journey, acknowledging just how uncertain life felt during the past several months. As she marked her birthday, she revealed that there was a time when she did not believe she would live to see the day.
“I didn’t think I would see my birthday,” she said, crediting God for giving her another opportunity to live.
The night that changed everything
Sne’s difficult chapter began earlier this year when she became involved in a violent confrontation with her partner. The situation escalated dramatically, with a car being set alight during the incident, leaving Sne seriously injured. She was subsequently admitted to hospital and spent time in intensive care as she fought to recover. Her condition prompted an outpouring of concern from family, friends and people who knew her, while the incident also drew attention to the devastating impact of violence within intimate relationships. In the months that followed, Sne focused on her recovery, eventually emerging from the crisis to reflect on survival, healing and the value of a second chance at life. By her birthday, seven months after the traumatic period began, she was able to look back with gratitude, saying: “I didn’t think I would see my birthday.”
Her reflection offers a glimpse into a deeply personal chapter that she has been navigating away from the public spotlight.
‘I’m still healing’
While Sne is grateful to be here, she made it clear that healing has not been simple or predictable.
“I’m still healing. It’s not a straight line,” she shared.
Her words speak to the reality of recovering from difficult experiences, where progress can come with setbacks and where giving yourself time and grace can be just as important as moving forward.
Sne also spoke about the importance of softness during the healing process, recognising that there is no fixed timeline for finding your way back to yourself.
Rather than presenting herself as having everything figured out, she acknowledged that she is still learning, growing and processing everything she has been through.
Grateful for those who stayed
Throughout her message, Sne also expressed appreciation for the people who remained close to her during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
She reflected on the role played by friends and family who offered support and stood beside her when she needed them most.
For Sne, the past seven months have therefore been about more than simply getting through a difficult period. They have also been about recognising the people who helped carry her through it and appreciating the gift of another day.
Choosing gratitude and life
As she looks ahead, Sne’s message is ultimately one of gratitude.
She is not claiming that the difficult chapter is completely behind her. Instead, she is allowing herself the space to continue healing while appreciating how far she has come.
Today, Sne says she chooses gratitude. She chooses life.
Her reflection is also a reminder that healing does not always happen publicly or on a predictable timeline – sometimes, simply reaching another birthday can feel like a victory in itself.
