(Muntu Vilakazi/ Gallo Images / City Press)
- Thabiso Matladi Sikwane was a beloved radio and TV personality, known for her healing voice and loving nature.
- She had a successful broadcasting career, working with prominent companies and authoring a children’s book to affirm and uplift children.
- Sikwane and DJ Fresh, who had children together, divorced amicably in 2022 and continued to co-parent.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
Brave, loving, prayerful, and a voice that provided healing are some of the words used to describe her, by those closest to radio and TV personality Thabiso Matladi Sikwane.
The former wife of DJ Fresh (real name Thato Sikwane) was born in Sibasa, Limpopo. The seasoned and award-winning presenter holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Sociology from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Sikwane’s early career in broadcasting included a gig at Voice of Soweto, which led to a successful career in the field. She later worked with prominent companies in the broadcast industry, such as YFM, Kaya FM, SAFM, and Power FM.
A storyteller at heart, Sikwane authored a children’s book titled Modimo o a go rata, which means “God Loves You.” According to the author, the book aims to remind children that they are a gift to the world and that they are precious and loved, just as they are to God.
“In a world where a black child and those who live with different abilities are often minimised outside of their home environments, this book affirms them,” she wrote. “It allows them to see themselves in a positive light. To see themselves as enough.”
Career highlights of the award-winning radio and talk show host include establishing a swimming academy named after her in Randpark Ridge. The aim of the swim school is to make swimming an enjoyable experience instead of something to be feared.
Personal life
In 2002, Sikwane tied the knot with entertainment legend DJ Fresh. According to Sikwane, the couple raised four children together (including his first-born daughter) before announcing their divorce in 2022, confirming that the marriage had been rocky, causing a separation since the lockdown in 2020.
“It’s a fact; we are heading for a divorce or in the process and have been for the last two years,” Sikwane said.
In addition, DJ Fresh clarified that the pair still loved each other and were focusing on raising their kids.
“We have been separated pretty much most of, if not all of the lockdown and we are just finalising the finer details right now. We still love each other. I think people are expecting fireworks, demands, and drama, but there’ll never be drama between us because we will forever love each other. We’ve got three beautiful kids to raise and that is our focus,” DJ Fresh added.
Following their amicable divorce, the former couple continued to co-parent, with Sikwane occasionally sharing co-parenting tips for other couples and single mothers on social media.
ALSO READ | Broadcasting veteran Thabiso Sikwane dead at 50 after short illness
Tributes pour in
Following the announcement of her passing, DJ Fresh took to social media, confirming in a video that the family lost Sikwane in the early hours of Saturday morning, and is yet to confirm the cause of death.
We are told it could have been a cardiac event, but what could have caused it hasn’t been ascertained,” he said. “We await a postmortem that will give everyone clarity.
In his video, DJ Fresh remembered Sikwane and her dedication to work, saying, “As our firstborn son YB has said, ‘Dad, I hope you’re going to honour your gig bookings because that is what mom would want’.”
In remembering Sikwane, actor, presenter, and voice-over artist Liopelo Maphathe said the late broadcaster had a healing voice.
“Thank you for showing me love in this industry, for taking time to hear me out, for even interviewing me when people were shying away, for always reminding me to pray about it instead of discussing it!
“Your voice was a healer, and your love was impeccable,” she wrote on Instagram.
