Actress Gabrielle Union recently spent some time in South Africa and left her father’s ashes at a boutique winery in Cape Town.

The Bring It On star visited Klein Goederust Boutique Winery, which she described as the first Black-owned winery in Franschhoek, Cape Town. She went on to share a social media post revealing that she had buried her father’s ashes at the estate, under the very vines she and her family had planted a few years prior.

Union’s father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Junior, passed away on April 3 at the age of 81 after a battle with dementia.

“May you nourish the earth the way you nourished us. May the blessings be bountiful. May the abundance be wrapped in peace, kindness, and consideration. May the legacy continue,” Union wrote in her caption.

Union’s video also showed that after she and her family left the estate, the team at Klein Goederust surprised her by replacing her makeshift marker with a permanent plaque. However, as heartfelt as the gesture seemed, the video was not well received by many South Africans online.

A Clash of Cultural Customs

South Africans are highly culturally inclined, making the backlash to the video entirely expected. Under her TikTok post, locals raised concerns about the spiritual implications of her actions, with many noting that scattering or burying human ashes on commercial land is believed to bring bad luck. Others questioned why she chose South Africa for the burial when she could have chosen a location closer to home. These reactions highlight how deeply cultural context influences public perception, proving that for South Africans, ancestral and burial practices carry profound spiritual weight.

Sightseeing Beyond the Controversy

Outside of the ceremony, the actress shared various photos and videos of her South African trip on social media, showcasing her favorite local spots. Alongside her winery visit, she indulged in some retail therapy at high-end designer clothing boutiques and teased an upcoming film project.

The online debate serves as a reminder of how important it is for international travelers to research and understand local customs before engaging in practices that might be perceived as culturally insensitive. While South Africans generally welcome tourists with open arms, respect for local traditions remains paramount.

Got a Story?

We want to hear from you. If there’s a story we should cover or someone we need to interview, email us at tbsnews@smellsdigital.com. To grow your brand with us, get in touch at ads@smellsdigital.com. Explore more at www.SmellsDigital.com.