On a somber Friday, friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the 3C Ministries Church in Irene, Centurion, to pay tribute to the beloved broadcaster Thabiso Sikwane. At just 50 years old, Sikwane’s passing on August 31st sent ripples of shock throughout the South African entertainment industry, especially in the wake of her recent appearance on the WAW: What a Week podcast hosted by her ex-husband, DJ Fresh. Their journey together was one marked by love, forgiveness, and a deep understanding of each other that resonated even in their parting.
DJ Fresh, whose real name is Thato Sikwane, took a moment during the service to reflect on their journey together—a journey that spanned two decades of marriage and resulted in four beautiful children. His voice, filled with emotion, captured the essence of Thabiso as he recalled the unconditional love and forgiveness she offered him throughout their relationship. “This woman personified love,” he said, highlighting Thabiso’s ability to forgive him more times than he felt he deserved.
Their relationship had its ups and downs, culminating in a divorce announced in February 2022. Yet, despite their split, DJ Fresh described how they navigated their differences with a shared intent: to prioritize their children’s well-being and maintain a sense of love and respect for one another. “We have kids to raise, and we’re going to go for counseling, and we’re all going to get through this with love,” he shared, reminding everyone present that the essence of their bond remained intact even after their marriage ended.
The day was not just a farewell but a celebration of Thabiso’s remarkable spirit and her impact on those around her. It was particularly poignant that she passed just after the podcast premiere, which both she and DJ Fresh had invested in. This final conversation between them, which they hoped would shed light on their journey and learnings, turned out to be more moving than anticipated. “We wanted to talk about how we ended up disbanding our union,” DJ Fresh noted, expressing bittersweet gratitude for the moments they shared.
As DJ Fresh stood before the closed casket, he recalled how Thabiso’s love never wavered. Even when the tough times came, she addressed all situations with grace and compassion, opting for peace over conflict. “She relentlessly never gave up on me as a human being,” he reflected, embodying a loving tribute that brought tears to many eyes.
Thabiso Sikwane’s service was a powerful reminder of the importance of love, forgiveness, and kindness—even amidst life’s challenges. As friends and family listened to DJ Fresh’s heartfelt words, they were reminded that while Thabiso may no longer be with them in body, her legacy lives on in the love she cultivated and the lives she touched.May her memory continue to inspire compassion and understanding, and may her journey remind us all to embrace love, no matter the circumstances.
