Colleagues, friends bid last farewell to late Pearl Shongwe

Friends and loved ones of the late Pearl Ntombifuthi Shongwe gathered at the Welfar Centre in Diepkloof, Soweto this morning to pay their last respects.

People were astounded to learn of the unpleasant news of her untimely passing on November 8.

The 35-year-old newsreader, tv presenter and radio personality was found dead in her home at Polofields North of Johannesburg.

Pearl’s career spanned over a decade in the media industry. It was cemented in 2010 as an entertainment reporter at YFM, her next move was a sports presenter and a voice over artist at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Pearl also worked as a presenter on One Day Leader and Daily Thetha as well as a newsreader at Metro FM. She would also read news on Morning Live on weekends.

A large crowd of family, colleagues and friends held a memorial service for the seasoned radio and tv personality on Wednesday November 16 at the SABC’s M1 studios in Auckland Park.

Thami Ngubeni and Johnson B Nkosi were the programme directors for this morning proceedings.

Thami reiterated that we are all gifted in different ways and that Pearl’s gift was in communication.

“One of the gifts that Pearl had was the gift of communication, the gift of being able to accurately articulate that which was not only in her heart but that which was in her spirit and her soul and every single thing that came out of her mouth sounded like it was intentional, everything that came out of her mouth sounded like it was purposeful,” said Pearl’s colleague Thami.

Pearl was described as a kind, respectful, giving, always smiling, loving to everyone and a considerate person who had people’s best interest at heart. Her colleague from Metro FM described her as a person who had a big heart as well as a workaholic.

Some described her work ethic as admirable. Mo Flava described pearl as a star who was able to bring light into people’s lives.

Her friend Nontlantla Mayisela said Pearl was there for her every moment of her life.

She was everyone’s cheerleader, she described their friendship like the one of David and Jonathan’s, it was something that people could never understand but the covenant they had was stronger than that of blood.

“We have lost one of our own, it has been very hard, we are broken, we were never ready for this, Pearl brought inspiration and encouragement to everyone.

She really worked hard for her craft; she was very passionate about her work. She was one of the best broadcasters
we ever had.

“She was an honest person, if she was not happy about something she would raise it,” said the CEO of Daily Thetha Thabo Mphelo.

Words of comfort were shared from friends, families and colleagues about their beloved Pearl who has made a huge impact in their lives. Indeed, she has left a void in the hearts of many.

Pearl is survived by her mother, her two sisters, her nephews and niece and she was laid to rest at the Nasrec Memorial Park, south of Johannesburg. May her precious soul rest in peace.