Tributes pour in for former journalist and activist
At the company, Shongwe worked under the leadership of another media gem, Irma Green, who also voiced her shock upon learning of Shongwe's passing.
Tributes continued pouring in on various social media platforms for former Lowveld Media and Mpumalanga News journalist, Sikhumbuzo Shongwe. Shongwe died on January 8 at the age of 44 after a short illness. He was buried on Tuesday under strict Covid-19 regulations, with friends and colleagues watching the funeral service live virtually.
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Mpumalanga News and Lowvelder Express editor, Mbekezeli Mbuli, paid homage to this talented writer, describing him as one of the tried and tested legends within the media space. “Shongwe and the likes of Motsibi Monareng and Joseph Mabuza trained me to be the writer and journalist that I am today. When I first arrived at Lowveld Media, freelancing for Mpumalanga News back in the day, it was Shongwe, Monareng and Mabuza who showed me the ropes and the basics,” said Mbuli. At the company, Shongwe worked under the leadership of another media gem, Irma Green, who also voiced her shock upon learning of Shongwe’s passing.
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“I am still reeling in shock and really lost for words. What a wonderful soul he was, I can’t believe it,” said Green, now Caxton’s National Group Editor. At the time of his passing, Shongwe had just buried his father who passed away in December. Shongwe was well-known for his kindness and team spirit. He also advocated for the rights of children living with autism. He had publicly voiced his concerns about government’s involvement in raising awareness of autism.
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Setchaba Mphahlele, a former journalist and now attached to the office of Minister Ronald Lamola, said, “The shock over your death has paralysed many of us who knew you. You were a true gentleman. You epitomised ubuntu to a level that can’t be rivalled. Your death has left a void in all of us, shlobo sami. We are poorer, we are robbed of a man of peace, committed family man and humble servant of the Lord. With a heavy heart, we send our heartfelt condolences to the Shongwe family. It was a privilege to have interacted with you. You were vibrant and always oozing confidence. You will for a long time be etched in our collective memories. “Lala mtimandze, ngwenyama”. Seasoned writer and academic, Prof Abbey Mdluli said, “What a great loss, my leader. This is too close and too personal. Our projects, forums and meetings will never be the same without him. What a team player he was. May his soul rest in peace.”
