SA Newsreader Pearl Shongwe Passes Away at 35
Tributes have poured in for popular radio and TV personality Pearl Shongwe who has died at the age of 35. Pearl’s family confirmed her passing in a statement, saying: “It is with great sadness that the Shongwe family announces the untimely passing of our beloved daughter, Ntombifuthi Pearl Shongwe. She passed away in her sleep.” […]
Tributes have poured in for popular radio and TV personality Pearl Shongwe who has died at the age of 35.
Pearl’s family confirmed her passing in a statement, saying:
“It is with great sadness that the Shongwe family announces the untimely passing of our beloved daughter, Ntombifuthi Pearl Shongwe. She passed away in her sleep.” The family asked for privacy at this difficult time.
Pearl was apparently found on Tuesday morning at her Polo Fields home. An inquest has reportedly been opened by SAPS Midrand to determine the cause of death.
Thulisile Nhlapo, Acting Head of SABC1, paid tribute to the news presenter:
“This is a huge loss for the channel, and at only 35 years old, Pearl was at the prime of her career and contributed a lot to building a knowledgeable youth and imparted her knowledge about current issues to the youth of South Africa. SABC1 will forever be grateful for all she has done on the channel.”
Nhlapo said that Pearl had “contributed immensely to the broadcast industry in the form of voice over artist, producer, news anchor and TV host.
“SABC1 sends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in Power!”
On Wednesday morning #RIPPearlShongwe is the top trending news item on Twitter South Africa.
Pearl, who was a Miss Soweto finalist in 2011, first worked in radio in 2010 on YFM and became popular on Morning Live, Daily Thetha and Season 6 of One Day Leader.
The thing with radio is that it creates a sense of community. You have "friends" that keep you company all day and on their off days, you miss them.
But when they die, it hurts. It hurts because you realise you actually love them and care deeply for them.#RIPPearlShongwe
— Khensani Motileni (@DesiderataNova) November 8, 2022
VIDEO | The SABC’s Metro FM news presenter #Pearlshongwe's colleagues have expressed sadness over her death. #RIPPearlShongwe pic.twitter.com/dqXQCEvdMT
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 8, 2022
☠️ @orlandopirates is saddened by the passing of Pearl Shongwe.
On behalf of the extended @orlandopirates family, we convey our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the Shongwe family.#RIPPearlShongwe
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/aGJioHqrQf
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) November 9, 2022
You were an incredible woman. Your kindness and genuine heart made you shine. May God be with you on this final climb. Please send Tebogo my love. The Westcliff stairs will never be the same without the two of you. Until we meet again sweetheart. #RIPPearlShongwe pic.twitter.com/WGW6kzlOgM
— Cathy Mohlahlana (@CathyMohlahlana) November 9, 2022
At this moment I am worried about my friends and family who stay alone – all these women were found *dead alone* 😭nobody knows what happened #RIPPearlShongwe #RIPBusisiweLurayi #RIPNoxoloMashalala pic.twitter.com/ldI2lt2lBZ
— Motlotleng Monageng🤴🏾 (@MonagengKen) November 9, 2022
"SABC 1 will forever be grateful for all Pearl Shongwe has done on the channel." – Thulisile Nhlapo (Acting Head of Channel)#RIPPearlShongwe pic.twitter.com/nD6JgVqXsU
— SABC 1 (@Official_SABC1) November 9, 2022