Pearl was one of the finest newsreaders you will ever find – Mo Flava

Metro FM breakfast host pays tribute

Metro FM breakfast show host Mo Flava has recalled how late newsreader Pearl Shongwe aced her audition when YFM was searching for an entertainment reporter 12 years ago.

Mo Flava said Shongwe from Soweto stood above the rest with her eloquence and charisma. Shongwe was found dead at her apartment, north of Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

As he paid tribute to the Metro FM news reader and host of SABC1’s Daily Thetha, Mo Flava said: “I don’t recall anybody who was great like her. She had the wit and charisma and how she grew as a newscaster over the years is just an absolute marvel.

“She is one of the finest news readers you will ever find. She was eloquent behind the microphone and equally on screen. She was exceptional in terms of her ability and a phenomenal newscaster.

“What stood out about her once we began working together was her ability to make people smile and feel good.

“She had an incredible sense of humour…That made her colourful and relatable to so many people. As much as she was bubbly and colourful, Pearl loved calm and serenity, which was a nice contrast about her personality.

“I was able to blend with her because she was knowledgeable and was in the moment and able to express herself behind the microphone. She was always on top of the game and asked relevant questions ... whether we were interviewing ministers or musicians.”

He said Shongwe’s death has been devastating.

“I am lost for words…It is a paralysing reality where you don’t know what to say or to do. I can only imagine how her family and those deeply close to her are feeling right now.

“I want her to be remembered as somebody who had a life to live and who did not just float through life. She came in and she did what she wanted to do. She went for the things she wanted. Let her be remembered as someone who lived the life she dreamed of and pursued her goals.”