The entertainment industry is mourning the death Metro FM and Daily Thetha anchor Pearl Shongwe.

Pearl Shongwe’s passing was announced on Tuesday evening. There are still no details regarding her cause of death, however, according to several reports, she died in her sleep at her Polo Fields home in Johannesburg.

The SABC has confirmed her untimely passing.

“The SABC has learned through the family of Pearl Shongwe that she has sadly passed away. The SABC extends its heartfelt condolences to the Shongwe Family.”

In a statement issued by the SABC on Wednesday morning, their business manager Kina Nhlengethwa 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.”

On Saturday morning Metro FM shared Pearl Shongwe’s memorial service details.

Metro FM Anchor Pearl Shongwe’s Memorial Service Announced!

Date: 16 Nov
Venue: SABC M1 Studios
Time: 12:00

Live streaming details will be shared closer to the date.

Source: News365.co.za

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:

1. 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. 
2. Newsreader: 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.
3. 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
4. Voice over artist: Pearl was multitalented and also did voice over work for the SABC and other companies
5. Kilimanjaro summiteer: The late news presenter was also involved in charity causes.