Christall Kay's Tribute To Douw Steyn Sparks Backlash Among South Africans
- Christall Kay's tribute to the late billionaire Douw Steyn left many netizens feeling uneasy.
- Some accused her of overshadowing the businessman's legacy with her personal history, revealing they were once engaged.
- Mzansi residents criticized her for bad timing and lack of sensitivity toward Steyn's wife and family.

You know, it’s never easy to navigate the world of public grief, especially when you’re a public figure. Christall Kay is finding herself in the middle of a storm after paying tribute to the late Douw Steyn, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the conversation starter. People are split—some think she handled it with grace, while others believe her tribute crossed the line.
Christall Kay Reflects on Douw Steyn's Legacy
Let’s take a step back for a moment. Douw Steyn, the billionaire founder of Steyn City, left a mark on the world that will be remembered for generations. When the news of his passing broke, it was heartbreaking. He battled an illness and ultimately passed away on February 4, 2025. Naturally, tributes poured in from all corners, but one stood out more than others: Christall Kay’s.
As a former star of Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Christall Kay took to her Instagram page to share a heartfelt message. She didn’t just talk about his business acumen or his legacy; she dove deep into their personal history. In her message, she painted a vivid picture of the man she knew—kind, passionate, and adventurous. Here’s what she said:
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“My gentle, kind heart, who filled my life with such excitement, passion, adventure, and love! An absolute genius, an incredible businessman, a loving father, and the utmost gentleman.”
“We did life together for a while, both the triumphs and tragedies! Thank you for your love, your generosity, and showing me such a wonderful world. You will always be a true inspiration and hold a special place in my heart! RIP.”
But that wasn’t all. In a response to a follower, Christall revealed something that caught everyone off guard: she and Douw were once engaged. She shared, “His whole family and his wife all knew we were engaged at the time, but I stepped away to make my own life. I will always hold him dear.”
What Mzansi Had to Say About Christall Kay’s Tribute
When it comes to public tributes, timing and sensitivity are everything. Unfortunately, Christall Kay’s tribute didn’t sit well with everyone in Mzansi. Many felt she crossed a line by bringing up her personal history with Douw at a time when his family is grieving.
sega.moloisi chimed in with this thought: “Chrissy, I love you and all, but don’t you think this is a little insensitive, considering he has a wife now and kids? I can imagine how awful it would be for them to see this.”
Christall responded with, “He was my love, too, and I never got to say goodbye.”
Others piled on with their thoughts. itsonly_kea wrote, “Why do you always open room for public criticism, though? You could have just written, ‘Rest in peace, you’ll forever be remembered.’ But you had to tell us the other stuff. You need to do better in public.”
rossnorma5 wasn’t holding back either: “No one wants to hear this. Keep it to yourself and respect his wife and children.”
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leeramafa called her out bluntly: “You’re inconsiderate and attention-seeking. He has a wife, you’re from the past. Move on, girl.”

Who Is Christall Kay?
For those who may not know, Christall Kay, born Lydia Judith Kay, is a South African reality TV star who gained fame as one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, which premiered in 2018. She hails from Bluff, Durban, and her educational journey is nothing short of impressive.
Christall attended Grosvenor Girls High School and later earned a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of the Witwatersrand. But her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. She pursued a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, only to realize it wasn’t fulfilling her soul. So, she returned to Wits to study Music and Marketing, where she found her true calling.
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