By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Family, Friends and colleagues gathered at the 3C Ministries in Centurion to celebrate, pay tribute and bid farewell to the radio and TV personality Thabiso Enid Matladi-Sikwane.
The 50-year-old died in the early hours of Saturday in hospital after short illness.
DJ Fresh has issued his first-ever public apology for the heartache and embarrassment he caused his late ex-wife, Thabiso.
At her funeral service in Pretoria on Friday, the DJ Fresh paid tribute to the mother of his children.
Speaking from the heart, DJ Fresh, born Thato Sikwane, described Thabiso as a devoted wife and mother who relentlessly refused to give up on him.
Sikwane first made a name for herself as a news reader at Y, where she met and fell in love with her ex-husband, DJ Fresh.
The couple were married for 20 years until they announced their amicable split in 2022, following allegations of infidelity.
At the time, reports claimed DJ Fresh had fathered a child out of wedlock, which the he has denied.
Sikwane’s friends and family emphasised that the industry owed her an apology for deserting her during the highly publicised divorce.
Her longtime friend and disability advocate, Masingita Masunga, has slammed the industry for sidelining Thabiso during one of her darkest periods.
She’s also been remembered as a quick-witted broadcaster, who always spoke her truth.
Her successful bee-keeping business and philanthropy, including teaching young black children to swim, were among her family’s long list of her greatest achievements.
Her parents-in-law, Mr and Mrs Sikwane (DJ Fresh’s parents), said their son did not marry an ordinary woman. Sikwane Sr said she was a resource in the family whose intellectual ability was above normal.
“We sat down and assessed what type of woman our son could marry. The first day I heard her on the radio, I knew she was not an ordinary wife. She has contributed immensely to my knowledge in terms of mind power. I’m an author as well, through Thabiso. We loved her beyond limits,” said Sikwane, Sr.
Kagiso, Lebakang, and Gontse Matladi, Thabiso’s siblings, paid a moving tribute to their sister, each sharing what they adored about Thabiso.
“It’s been very difficult for me for the past week, but I know this is what she would’ve wanted, and I know she’s smiling down on me.”, Kagiso said.
She thanked DJ Fresh for the love and support he has given her and her children.
She said, “The world feels a little emptier without your laughter, kindness, and beautiful spirit. I will always cherish the memories we shared. The moments of joy and lessons you’ve taught me, and the love we had for each other. You were a beacon of my life, and though you are no longer with us, I know your light will continue to shine in my heart.”
Gontse said she and her sister had a special bond, and the age gap did not prohibit them from getting closer, though they did not live in the same house.
“To the world, she is a superstar and a celebrity, but to us, she is just a sister. I will miss her making my favourite food and bringing me things; she was my stylist. She was such a joker and a lovable person. I celebrate her, and we will always remember her. I hope that we keep her legacy going,” she said.
Her children Wandi, Reneilwe, Thato and Lefika were also at the podium, sharing stories of their fond memories with their mother and the life lessons she taught them.
They shared their mother’s unwavering devotion to her faith and her family, remembering how she taught them to love God and to cherish his word while they seek guidance through prayer. They recalled how their mother lived out her faith in every aspect of her life which inspires them to do the same.
“Mama is the reason why I am in church and I know God,” said Wandi.
Adding that her mother would often tell her that before her death, she wants to leave her with a relationship with God which she successfully did.