Friends and family of Thabiso Sikwane reflect on her rich career and love, laughter

JOHANNESBURG - Mourners gathered at the 3C Ministries church in Centurion on Friday where friends, family and industry colleagues bid farewell to seasoned broadcaster, Thabiso Sikwane.

Sikwane died on Saturday following a short illness. She was 50 years old.

READ: Renowned SA radio and TV personality Thabiso Sikwane has died

In respecting the theme, mourners donned their traditional bright colours to reflect the life lived by Sikwane.

Having lived her life as a broadcaster and entrepreneur, those close to her described her as an all-rounder who always knew how to express herself. 

Childhood friend, Dr Jowie Mbengo said she would miss how Sikwane could always find a reason to laugh

“Even when we thought there was nothing to be happy about, Thabiso would find a reason to laugh even in her last days," said Mbengo.

Mbengo said Sikwane was very articulate, and could always find the right words to fit any situation.

“When we were children she was very well-spoken and she could put forward her viewpoints and she was able to convince people to do things in the nicest way.”

Sikwane's family confirmed she would be cremated in a private ceremony at a later date.

MULTI-TALENTED

Sikwane has been hailed for the work she did to ensure her community benefitted from her multiple talents.

Longtime friend and music producer Oscar Mdlongwa, popularly known as Oskido, said Sikwane lived life to the fullest, tapping into her many talents, including a love for music. 

He said he has many fond memories of the two of them in the studio.

"Although Thabiso’s passing was very sudden. She was in high spirits at the time. She taught us that love, happiness, and faith go together," said Oskido. 

Businesswoman and media mogul Carol Bouwer said Sikwane did not want to be a star instead it just happened. 

Bouwer spoke fondly of her friend during the funeral service.

She said Sikwane was a talented individual who never missed a chance to showcase her abilities and said her first encounter with Sikwane was during an audition, which played a major part in catapulting her television career.

Bouwer also reflected on the last conversation she shared with Sikwane.

"I felt like I was speaking to somebody who had done everything that God had asked her to do," said Bouwer.

'THABISO COULD WEAR MANY HATS'

The family of the seasoned broadcaster said she managed to play many roles, positively impacting the lives of others.

Her cousin Kgomotso Christopher said that through this Sikwane paved the way for others in the family to chase their dreams.

Christopher, who is a well-known actress in the South African TV scene, said Sikwane was the first celebrity in their family.

She shared fond memories of their childhood and growth within the broadcasting space.

She addressed friends, family and industry colleagues at Friday's funeral service.

"People would always ask me about the things Thabiso does - does she act, does she sing with Jack Knife? But that was the thing about Thabiso, she could wear many hats, and she always did that so well.”

‘SHE DID EVERYTHING WITH LOVE’

Sikwane’s husband urged South Africans to take a page from the book of how she lived her life.

Thato Sikwane, popularly known as DJ Fresh, said the mother of his children did everything with love. 

Sikwane was also an entrepreneur and author who focused her attention on empowering young people

DJ Fresh said Sikwane was a loving and selfless person 

“The long and the short of why I say we must try to be more like mama is that she did everything with love. Even when things were not going well between us, I don’t remember her raising her voice to me once.”