'Our hearts are bleeding' — Pearl Shongwe’s family battles with loss
Image: Pearl Shongwe's Instagram
Seasoned broadcaster Pearl Shongwe was described by her friends and family as slow to anger, happy and selflessly giving.
Her cousin Nomkhosi Shongwe, sister Nonhlanhla Shongwe and aunt Zinhle Nene paid moving tributes to the family member they never thought they would bid farewell to.
“If someone told me I would be standing here speaking about Pearl in the past tense I would've told them it was all lies. I need you to understand there was a lot I would've said and written about her.
“She was like a twin. I mothered her from the day she was born, and I would like to believe even on her last day on earth she knew that 'uMama', as she used to call me, has got my back. So I've written a little poem that I would like to recite, and the reason I chose to write a little poem was because Pearl encouraged me a lot. She used to say mama you’ve got such a great skill of writing, you are a great writer, it’s just a shame that you don’t believe so. So I would like to pay tribute to her in this little tribute that I've written for her,” said her sister.
Nonhlanhla recited her tribute poem called She is Gone.
Her aunt said the seasoned broadcaster, whom she fondly called Futhi, was a people’s person who was happy and loving.
“Our hearts are bleeding. It’s the third time this year — on the May 17 I lost my son, on the 25th of July we lost our mom, and now it’s Futhi. She was and will always be our pride no matter how hard or painful life gets. Her respect, her smile, love and care was what matters to us. Futhi would give you a call and say, auntie, just say what you need, I'll help if needs be, I'll be there. Futhi didn't just have a beautiful face but also a beautiful heart. When I arrived from KZN I knew the first kiss and hug, I would get from her. She was always happy and gave love to everyone in the family. She would try to light up the life of others, not only us as a family but her friends as well, siblings, neighbours and colleagues as well and the community.”