Johannesburg - The South African TV and film industry suffered a huge blow on Friday when Ferguson Films confirmed that media mogul Shona “Uncle Sho” Ferguson had died due to Covid-19 related complications.
The 47-year-old award-winning star died about midday at the Netcare Milpark Hospital in Joburg.
Following the eminent producer’s passing, social media was flooded with tributes from industry colleagues, friends and fans.
The most heartbreaking tribute came from the star’s other half and business partner, Connie Ferguson.
On what would have been the 20th anniversary since the South African power couple met on Saturday, Connie penned a heartfelt letter to her husband under a picture of Shona and the couple.
“Ours is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. We joked about how we were going to be in our old age. How we would take turns supporting each other and being strong for each other. The irony is we have already been doing that for the past 20 years.”
Connie described Shona as her soulmate and said they had begun plans to celebrate their wedding anniversary in November.
“I’m struggling to process everything that’s going on! It all just feels like a horrible nightmare that I can’t wake up from! I feel like I’m living in a twilight zone,” she said.
Ending her tribute, Connie said
she shared a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love and a love that surpassed all understanding with Shona.
“You and I will meet again when God decides it’s time. In the meantime, you live on in our hearts. You’ve owned my heart from the day we met 20 years ago today, and there you will live until we meet again! Rest now angel,” the star wrote.
Shona cut his teeth in the film and TV sector in various TV productions such as Generations, Muvhango and The Wild. He and his wife co-own production company Ferguson Films which has given fans a variety of award-winning shows such as Rockville, The Queen, The Throne, The Herd and Netflix’s Kings of Joburg, which was one of the top 10 watched offerings in South Africa.
Legendary theatre and TV actor and director Sello Maake Ka-Ncube also shared his fond memories of his friend and colleague.
“Death be not proud. You have robbed the industry of a shining son. Constance, my sister, I literally feel your pain. I have no words I can say which will soothe the grief you are feeling. Only the hand of life can carry you through this one,” Maake Ka-Ncube wrote.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the department was shocked. “Shona was a creative gem and a visionary. He was a media mogul, an innovator and a pioneer who possessed an irrefutable ambition.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Connie and the family during this time. Furthermore, we extend our sympathies to the industry at large. May his soul rest in peace,” Mthethwa said.
Shona leaves behind his wife and their two daughters. The family has asked to be given space to process their loss. Details of the memorial and funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
The Star