Johannesburg - The SABC and Metro FM news reader Pearl Shongwe has died.
The SABC said Shongwe, 35, was found dead in her Waterfall apartment on Tuesday.
Shongwe was a news anchor on Metro FMâs Touch Drive, which is headlined by radio personality Tbo Touch.
She was also a sports host on the SABCâs Sports Live at weekends.
A message from the estate management informed residents of the media personalityâs death.
âDear Residents, we regret to inform you that one of our residents has passed away inside her unit. The family has been notified and is at The Polofields presently.
âYou may notice police, ambulance and coroner vehicles in the Estate during the day. Please do not be alarmed as they are attending to the situation. Currently, there is no reason for concern,â the message read.
The SABC's Metro FM news presenter Pearl Shongwe has passed away. It's understood she died at her Polo Fields home north of Johannesburg. #sabcnews
— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) November 8, 2022
Pearl Shongwe on the #TouchDown deserves to host a stand alone radio/TV show that tracks inspiring lodestars/pioneers among us. I like her calmness and how she poses firm & pointed interesting questions that bring best answers from guests and enrich the conversation. #Talent.
— Thami Dickson (@Thami_D) November 3, 2022
Police in Midrand confirmed they had found a 35-year-old womanâs body in an apartment and had since opened an inquest docket, police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza told IOL on Tuesday night.
She said the inquest would seek to establish the cause of death.
Shongweâs management company, Owen S Management, described the Soweto-born versatile media personality as a former Miss Soweto 2011 finalist, television presenter, newsreader, voice artist and facilitator who had always dreamed of a career in broadcasting â having started auditioning for TV commercials at the age of 12.
They also described her as a âforce to be reckoned with in the media landscapeâ who would not be whisked by the wind in a fast paced world.
âPearl has found herself in the anchoring chair, behind the mic and some big stages where she led ceremonies as an MC, programme director and facilitator.
âHer career kicked off in 2010 when she worked for youth radio station YFM as an entertainment reporter, alongside youth pioneer and DJ, Mo Flava, for more than two years.
âShe went on to work as a floor MC at Silverstar Casino, where she learnt the art of connecting with audiences,â the management company said of Shongwe on its website.
On social media, saddened fans have paid tribute to the late media personality.
These shots were taken when we finished shooting SABC 1âs One Day Leader n #PearlShongwe would not stop making funny faces and posesđĽš. She always believed I could do more and be moređ.Since then she always made it a point for us to have brunch once a month.I miss you alreadyđ pic.twitter.com/eg1Se5yCNG
— Busisiwe C Seabe (@Ms_BSeabe) November 8, 2022
Pearl Shongwe đđđđ pic.twitter.com/jaLvSFsCM4
— The Lord Of The Wings( Lisa) Arsenal Biggest Fanđ (@WhyUfikelate) November 8, 2022
For Metro FM News, On the Touch Down, Good Night... You are Pearl Shongwe đâ¤ď¸đď¸ #RIPPearlShongwe pic.twitter.com/83IWZA6SHu
— Phomelelo Ngoepe (@phumi_iam) November 8, 2022
Pearl Shongwe lived life ,a happy soul
— Catchvibe Moatshe (@IamCatchvibe) November 8, 2022
She left her mark ,her work was beautiful on tv and on Metro Fm .May her soul rest in peace #Rippearlshongwe pic.twitter.com/cPotl9PVIV
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