Tshepo Thafeng, who is the founder of Soweto TV has been reported dead according to multiple news sources. He passed away at the age of 54.
Tshepo is said to have died through a fatal accident. This happened on Thursday November 25th 2021 when he was driving home.
His niece Faith Jiyane has spoken on her Uncle's death. Speaking on how everything happened, she said his car collied with another vehicle from oncoming traffic. Two other people lost their lives as a result.
The accident specifically happened between Bekkersdal and Carletonville, west of Johannesburg.
Faith in an interview with Daily Sun said they are still in shock as a family concerning the death of Tshepo Thafeng. She revealed that they wish it was a nightmare they could just wake up from.
“He uses that route every day when coming back home. It's a straight road. We don't know what exactly happened and we are struggling to accept that it has happened because it was all so sudden.”
“He still had a lot to do and achieve ahead of him, and we as a family still needed him. But we have to accept as time goes on and we believe he's with God.
“We also find comfort in that he had paved the way for the next generation through his work, empowering and uplifting the youth in the process,” she said.
Tshepo was described as calm, kind and caring person.
“Even when there was conflict, he was able to resolve it without being too emotional about it. He was able to bring the family together. He was basically the glue of this family. That's what we are going to miss the most about him,” she said.
Details on Tshepo Thafeng funeral plans & memorial service
Speaking on the media personality's memorial service, Faith said, the TV station he founded, Soweto TV, would be livestreaming his memorial service tomorrow, 1st December 2021.
Speaking on funeral plans, Faith said Tshepo Thafeng's funeral would be held on Friday, 3rd December at the Salvation Army Church in White City, Soweto.
The death of the mentor and philanthropist has thrown a lot of people in a state of shock and agony. Ever since the news went viral, messages of condolences have been pouring in.
Since the news of his death, messages of condolences have been pouring in.
“Oh no, such a sweet guy. I met him in Venda around 2007 and we established a good rapport. May his soul rest in peace,” Richard said.
While Sotobe Faku said he's very hurt.
“A father, leader, manager, brother to all former Soweto TV employees. He took people from the streets without any qualifications in media, gave them a chance to learn TV operations. He took some straight from high school. I am very hurt. This man gave me a chance. I am in the media space today because he allowed me to learn TV.”
While Ntokozo Zamaswazi said: “This guy gave me my first chance on TV as a presenter. Great guy. May his soul rest in peace.”
According to SowetanLive, Thafeng, who launched Soweto TV station on November 26 2005 and worked as a chief executive officer, came from a strong background of newspapers and publishing. Before he started the community TV station that turned 16 on Friday, Thafeng owned a newspaper in Sharpeville in the Vaal.
