'It feels like a bad, bad dream' — Celebs and close friends share emotional tributes to Pearl Shongwe

Pearl Shongwe's sudden death has left many heartbroken and in shock.

The cause of her death is yet to be made public, but her family confirmed she died in her sleep at her Polo Fields home.

She was a newsreader on Metro FM and presenter on SABC1 talk show Daily Thetha at the time of her death.

Her family issued a brief statement confirming her death and asked for privacy to process their tragic loss.

“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.”

Actress Busisiwe Mtshali and many other people who knew the 35-year-old took to social media to pay tribute to the bubbly and empathetic broadcaster. 

“I never in my wildest dreams imagined I’d be writing a post like this. It feels like a bad, bad dream. I can’t believe this is our new reality. I just can’t comprehend a world without you in it. My safe space, a big sister I never had. I’m shattered. We had so many plans Mama. I thought we still had time. Kwaze kwabuhlungu. Kodwa bathi intando yakhe mayenzeke. Ngibuhlungu. Ngiyabonga ngako konke. Thank you for loving me so fiercely. I have so much to say but for now I’ll hold on tightly to the memories we created. Goodnight Radio Princess. Lala sthandwa’sam. You ran a phenomenal race, fly with the angels. I love you forever Mama.”

Metro FM DJ Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe, who worked with Pearl, took to his Instagram timeline and shared a video clip of American minister Bishop Noel Jones’ tribute to Pearl. 

“It is so painful for us to have lost such a wonderful and beautiful soul in such a sudden way. It is heart-rending because the gift and the talent this lady possessed were way above average, she was par excellence in the things she did.

“I'm telling you, just her questions and intellectuality, cognitive energy and her ability were profound; it's like we lost a thousand lives in an instant.”