Entertainment enthusiasts, members of the public, friends and close family members have converged at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg’s CBD, to honour Mzasi’s fallen legend Patrick Shai at a memorial service that started just after midday. The veteran actor and GBV activist died on Saturday morning at his Soweto home aged 65.
His career began in some of the SABC’s best dramas such as Yizo Yizo, Soul City, Bophelo ke Semphekgo and Generations. He was also a gender-based activist and one of the founding members of Free Film Makers of South Africa. Former Generations actress Sophie Ndaba is amongst those attending the memorial service. She has called on South Africans to preserve Shai’s legacy.
“I think to continue the young men of South Africa and the entertainment industry must take up the baton and continue with it if it’s something within their vision as well. They must learn from him that as an elder he was fighting for things young people should be fighting for. Especially when it’s for job creation, GBV etc. So I think let’s remember him on that,” says Ndaba.
VIDEO: Patrick Shai’s family trying to come to terms with his passing
