Johannesburg – Tributes from colleagues and friends of Pearl Shongwe have started pouring in on social media as South Africa mourns the death of the broadcaster and television presenter.
The 35-year-old SABC host was found dead at her Johannesburg home on November 8.
Shongwe’s death was confirmed by her family on Tuesday night.
“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. We kindly request that we be given the privacy to mourn her passing during this trying time. Our daughter was a celebrated radio broadcaster and TV presenter. Her presence will forever live on in our hearts.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kwezi told IOL that police in Midrand had found a 35-year-old woman’s body in a flat in Waterfall and had since opened an inquest docket.
The Soweto-born Shongwe had become a force to be reckoned with in the media space, transitioning from one medium to another.
According to her agents, Owen S Management, she began her career as an entertainment reporter for Metro FM in 2010 where she worked with DJ Mo Flava.
The 35-year-old also worked as a sports reporter and voice-over at the SABC, on the show “Sports Buzz”. She was a presenter on the SABC’s Sports Live and hosted “Morning Live” on weekends alongside Simphiwe Ncongwane.
Many may remember Shongwe for the popular show “One Day Leader” on SABC 1.
Radio host DJ Sabby spoke about how driven Shongwe was. “Rest easy sis Pearl Shongwe. You were always a positive person and such a career-driven individual. It was an honour working with you and knowing you. Condolences to your family, friends and colleagues,” he wrote on Twitter.
The Star