Pearl Shongwe remembered as more than an excellent radio host at memorial service
A LITTLE more than a week after the passing of Pearl Shongwe, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the SABC head office in Auckland Park, for a public memorial service to celebrate and reflect on the life of Metro FM news anchor and Daily Thetha presenter.
The family statement said, Shongwe, 35, “passed away in her sleep” at her Midrand apartment on November 8.
On Wednesday, Nonhlanhla Shongwe said the family was trying to process Shongwe’s death.
“She was like a twin. I mothered her from the day she was born and I’d like to believe even on her last day on earth, she knew that umama, as she called me, has got my back,” Nonhlanhla said.
In honour of her younger sibling, she recited a poem She is Gone.
Metro FM presenter Marian Nyakolartey reflected on her friend’s colourful life and their last conversation.
She spoke about Shongwe’s passion for radio.
“This wasn’t just a job for Pearl, it was love. It was a way of communicating her numerous love languages. It was a way to touch people that she knew she couldn’t touch and that she had this microphone, this medium, the broadcast medium.
“Pearl stood for love, honesty, integrity and consistency …You could never fault her work. It was excellent.”
Veteran broadcaster Wilson B Nkosi hailed Shongwe as more than a talented radio personality but an individual with a big heart.
“I would like to thank the people that brought Pearl to Metro FM, Sibongile Mtshali and the team,” said Nkosi.
“I’m sure in your minds what you heard was a God-given, a God-blessed, a God-inspired broadcasting talent. But we saw more than that, we saw a friend in Pearl.
“Pearl and I spoke very extensively about our, individual wishes, plan, aspirations, goals, hopes and big dreams. She had big dreams.”
Bidding farewell to his pal, Nkosi said: “You gave me more than you received. Ngiyabonga sisi.
“May God accept you the same way you accepted us during your stay on earth. May God overlook your possible shortcomings. Good night Mashongwe,” he said.
The family said her funeral will be held at home in Diepkloof ext 5 tomorrow at 6.30am, before proceeding to the Diepkloof Comprehensive Welfare Centre, where the full service will be held from 8am.
She will be buried at the Nasrec Memorial Park.