Snl24 | WATCH | Love and light: DJ Fresh’s ex-wife Thabiso celebrated

Thabiso Sikwane was celebrated in a vibrant and emotional memorial service on Friday, 6 September.

THE life of renowned TV and radio broadcaster, Thabiso Sikwane was celebrated in a vibrant and emotional memorial service at 3C Ministries Church in Irene, Centurion on Friday, 6 September.

Thabiso died on Saturday, 31 August.

The church was filled with bright colours just as the family had requested. They had stated strictly no black. Thabiso, who was married to DJ Fresh, was remembered as a pioneer who touched everyone’s hearts. She was also described as someone who respected her craft. 

Mourners were asked not to wear black at Thabiso Sikwane’s memorial service.

Mourners included Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and DJ and music producer, Oskido. 

Oskido spoke about Thabiso and DJ Fresh’s relationship, and his journey with Thabiso. 

“She touched our lives with wisdom, warmth and faith. What I admired about Thabiso and Fresh is how they showed us that you can have different opinions as a couple. Watching the two of them together was magical. You could feel the magical every time they were on air. She showed us that love and faith go hand in hand,” said Oskido. 

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Carol Bower, one of Thabiso’s close friends, struggled to find the right words to say goodbye. Her emotional tribute began with a tearful song before she expressed her deep sorrow.

“I stayed up all night trying to write a tribute to Thabiso. I’m suddenly overcome with sadness. It became crystal clear to me that the honour of hearing Thabiso’s voice again, hearing from her had now become a thing of the past. Thabiso was a rare breed in an industry of clones. She was unlike anyone but yet she reflected everyone,” said Carol. 

Actress Kgomotso Christopher, who spoke on behalf of the cousins, remembered Thabiso at a young age when they were growing up and the lessons she taught her. 

Thabiso Sikwane was remembered as a pioneer who touched everyone’s hearts

“It’s not an easy task to bid farewell to my sister we loved so dearly, but it’s also difficult to pay tribute to a formidable woman in five minutes. She was the eldest in the Matladi clan and she took her role of big sister very seriously,” she said. 

Thabiso’s sister, Kagiso wrote a heartwarming message sharing memorable moments. 

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“It’s very difficult for me, but I thank God that she’s smiling wherever she is because I know this is what she would have wanted,” she said. 

Thabiso’s younger sister, Gontse said Thabiso was her mentor and friend.

“We had a very special bond, we didn’t grow up in the same household, but we built a friendship. Thank you everybody for the outpouring love that we have received this entire time,” she said.

Thabiso’s mum said she feels so blessed and thanks God for her daughter. She shared memories of her daughter from birth. 

“I removed some of the points because you have said a lot and it is so colorful. At some point I was like: ‘Am I burying my daughter now?’. Thank you for the colorful celebration.”

DJ Fresh reflected on their marriage and on the day Thabiso felt sick and was rushed to hospital.

“Thabiso was intentional about what she wanted to do, and she’d get it done. Last Wednesday was a tough day because you took ill while we were recording and the fact that from there, we had to rush you to hospital everyone was panicking, it was a traumatic experience.

Thabiso Sikwane was remembered as a pioneer who touched everyone’s hearts

“She left nothing unsaid. When she sees something that is wrong, she will address it and I think we can all learn from that. When she had issues with everything I do or said she would tell me immediately,” he said. 

Thabiso’s daughter, Wandi, also shared a personal tribute, highlighting the deep spiritual connection her mum instilled in her.

“Mama is the reason I’m in church and with God. She often said at random times that if there’s anything I need to leave you with before I die is the relationship with God and she did that indeed.” 

A private cremation will be held at a later date with close family in attendance.

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