Five things to know about SABC’s Pearl Shongwe

The death of seasoned TV and radio presenter Pearl Shongwe sent shockwaves across the country on Tuesday evening. 

Pearl's 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,” read the statement.

The SABC issued a statement on Wednesday morning. 

Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM business manager, said: “Words cannot explain how great a loss it is for Metro FM of this beautiful, vibrant and intelligent woman. It was a privilege to work with Pearl and for those who had the opportunity to meet her. She was a rising star, and still had a lot to offer in the industry. We wish to send our condolences to the family, her colleagues, our listeners and everyone who was close to her. She may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

Here are five things to know about Pearl :

Miss Soweto finalist 

She was a Miss Soweto finalist in 2011. Pearl  revealed she had wanted to be a model but felt like she didn’t quite fit in and she had to park that dream. 

News reader

Pearl was a news reader and presenter on the popular radio and television shows The Touchdown show on Metro FM and SABC1’s youth programme Daily Thetha.

TV host 

Pearl Presented the children’s sport show Sports Buzz and co-anchored the news and current affairs programme Weekend Live.  She also served as a sports host of SportsLIVE on SABC’s 24-hour news channel, and anchored the hugely popular One Day Leader on SABC1

Voice over artist

Pearl was multitalented and also did voice over work for the SABC and other companies 

Kilimanjaro summiteer

The late news presenter was also involved in charity causes.

Actor and musician Clement Maosa took to his Instagram timeline to say: “You’ve touched and impacted lives, especially young girls, through your journey with #trek4madela & #caring4girls.”