South African DJ and radio personality Thato Sikwane, better known as DJ Fresh, has broken his silence on the sudden death of his ex-wife, Thabiso Sikwane, who passed away on Saturday, 31 August.
Thabiso, a seasoned radio broadcaster whose voice graced the airwaves of stations like Voice of Soweto, SAFM, PowerFM, and KayaFM959, was a beloved figure in the South African broadcasting industry. Her death caught the nation by surprise, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, friends, and fans alike.
In an almost two-minute video posted on social media, DJ Fresh addressed the circumstances surrounding Thabiso's passing, revealing that she died in the morning at around 6:30.
"I am not going to make a sombre video because that is not what Thabiso would expect of me or anyone else. This video is out of necessity because of the wild times we live in with disinformation and fake news and all the wild stuff that gets posted out there," he said in the video.
DJ Fresh explained that while the cause of death is suspected to be a cardiac event, the exact cause remains unclear.
"We are told that it could have been a cardiac event, but what would have caused it has not been ascertained. So we await the post-mortem that will give everyone clarity," he said.
He added that Thabiso's death was sudden and unexpected, leaving everyone in shock. "It does not make sense to anyone, how this could happen out of the blue," he said.
Reflecting on the path ahead, DJ Fresh shared a poignant conversation he had with his eldest son, Thato Sikwane Junior, who urged him to honour his mother by fulfilling his upcoming gig bookings.
"Just like she did when Wandy, our fifteen-year-old, was born. Wandy arrived a tad early, and I had a booking in Durban. I remember being busy trying to cancel that booking, and in between that delivery, [Thabiso] said to me that when this baby pops today, you will honour your bookings," DJ Fresh recalled. "So YBF [Thato Sikwane Jr] is now on some make sure you honour mom, make sure you represent her but please don’t cancel the bookings. I am in two minds about it."
DJ Fresh concluded his video with a heavy sigh, acknowledging the reality of Thabiso's passing. "But ja, she really is gone," he said.
Thabiso's death has left a void in the South African broadcasting landscape. She was known for her warmth, her infectious laughter, and her ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.
Her legacy extends beyond her work on the radio. She was also a devoted mother and a pillar of strength for her family.
DJ Fresh's video, while offering some clarity on Thabiso's passing, also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones.
The South African broadcasting community mourns the loss of a true icon and extends its condolences to Thabiso's family and friends during this difficult time.
