Actress and former beauty queen Michelle Molatlou passed away on Tuesday.
According to the press statement, the former presenter of TV magazine show Mamepe "succumbed to her battle with cervical cancer" the National Hospital in Bloemfontein.
"We are heartbroken to share and confirm the news that Tshegofatso Michelle Molatlou who was affectionately known by all as ‘Michelle’ has passed away," the statement read.
"Michelle was surrounded by lots of love with the family and friends. She succumbed to her battle with cervical cancer on Tuesday 19th December 2017 at the National Hospital in Bloemfontein.
"While we mourn the loss of a very wonderful, humble and caring spirit, we also celebrate her remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves."
As soon as news of her passing broke, tributes started to pour in on social media:
💔...last saw her when she was catering at the late #Isidingo actress Lesego Motsepe's funeral. Beautiful lady. #RIPMichelleMolatlou https://t.co/uCmHvyUQ2h
— Kgomotso Christopher (@kgchristopher) December 19, 2017
Rest in Peace my Angel. pic.twitter.com/Z9YHBjc6Vu
— STOP ALBINISM KILLINGS (@kuliroberts) December 19, 2017
— Neo M. Matsunyane (@Nosferatu17) December 19, 2017
Iam soooo hurt😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔i was with her last week and she was getting better aw ous Tshego hleeeeeeeeeeee pic.twitter.com/PBnRBaF5zC
— DR Charlotte❤💦💉💊 (@DimphoMahlatsi) December 19, 2017
No no no....😭😭😭😭😭😭😧 pic.twitter.com/ea06cDNwRL
— Mrs Boity MBHELE 💍 (@Boity_mbhele) December 19, 2017
My friend of over 25 years,so sad and heartbroken about your passing,may u have eternal rest Tshegofatso Michelle Molatlou 😭😭💔💔💔 #RIPTshego pic.twitter.com/qmd43DIN6h
— Cougaring&Raccooning (@soniamotaung) December 19, 2017
Just learned of the passing of Michelle Molatlou...May her soul Rest In Peace. Ke mo gopola ko Kgatelopelo serious as ngwana Biza pic.twitter.com/5QzriLCj4g
— Irvin Pooe🌈 (@Irvinpooe) December 19, 2017
Gutted to learn of the death of former Miss Black South Africa Michelle Molatlou.
She was a good friend and former colleague at Drum.
Last spoke on 23 October. I knew she was battling cervical cancer, but thought she'd pull through. #RIPMichelleMolatlou pic.twitter.com/lMChwVyN9R
— Mathanda (@MathandaNcube) December 19, 2017
May your beautiful soul rest in peace
we will miss you. your memories will live on
rest in peace nanas. you have run your race beautifully 😢😢😢🙏❤️❤️❤️
michelle molatlou pic.twitter.com/Kg6KIKyHIB
— Ms Sitwe (@MissSitwe) December 19, 2017
May your Beautiful soul Rest In Peace ~ Michelle Molatlou pic.twitter.com/wOGMJfv3br
— BITS & FLAWAZ (@BitsAndFlawaz) December 19, 2017
A post shared by Ntja-Daddy Motswagae(@ntja_daddy_motswagae) on Dec 18, 2017 at 11:52pm PST
Michelle — who was known for her beauty, elegance and style was a consummate professional. She had drawn her inspiration from different people and situations to be the person she was.
As the last Miss Black SA, Michelle courageously challenged the stereotypes on beauty queens. She went on to become an actress and has among others acted in Generations, Kgalelo Pelo, In the Name of Love, Mokgonyana Matswale and was a presenter for Mamepe. She then went to corporate and worked for Simeka/ Graphicor and Mortimer Harvey before she started her own successful catering company.
She is survived by her two children and parents.