By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SABC’s Metro FM news presenter and radio presenter Pearl Ntombifuthi Shongwe has passed away at the age 35.
Shongwe was currently on the Touchdown with Tbo Touch show on Metro FM, was found dead at her home in Polofields north of Joburg on Tuesday afternoon.
“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,” said family spokesperson Khehla Tshabalala in a statement.
“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. Further details will follow in due course,” Tshabalala said.
Born in Soweto, the television presenter, newsreader was also a Miss Soweto 2011 finalist.
Her career in broadcasting kicked off in 2010 when she worked for youth radio station YFM as an entertainment reporter, alongside youth pioneer and DJ, Mo Flava, for over two years.
She also went on to work as a floor MC at Silverstar Casino, where she learnt the art of connecting with audiences.
With sport as one of her passions, she worked with SABC Sport as a reporter and voice artist to their flagship programs, including a children sport show, ‘Sports Buzz’.
Shongwe also featured on the SABC 24hr News channel as a sports host on Sports Live. She moved on to co-host Morning Live on weekends alongside Simphiwe Ncongwane.
Government has expressed sadness and shock at the death of TV and radio personality Shongwe who passed away in her sleep.
In a statement, government sent its condolences to Shongwe’s family, friends and colleagues in the media industry.
Pearl was a news reader and presenter who captured the hearts of South Africans, which resulted in many citizens tuning into her shows. She had a distinct ability to ask the most interesting and uniquely framed questions so that the conversation with guests were comprehensive and enriching.
“She took the audience along with her through her interesting and focussed interviews. Her untimely passing has indeed robbed the media industry of a talented, knowledgeable and versatile anchor,” GCIS Director General, Phumla Williams said.
While the country mourns her loss, Williams pleaded with the public to afford her family space and privacy to mourn her death.