Scores of friends, family and fans gathered at the Soweto Theatre, south of Johannesburg, on Saturday for veteran actor Patrick Shai’s funeral service Saturday.
Shai died last Saturday 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 Semphego and Generations. He was also a Gender-Based Activist and a founding member of Free Film Makers of South Africa.
It was an emotional send-off for Patrick Shai, a pioneer in South Africa’s entertainment industry. The Soweto Theatre was filled to capacity with mourners, who paid their last respects to the veteran actor.
Shai has been described as a loving family man and an advocate against Gender-Based Violence. Shai’s son, Lekgetho, says he was the pillar of the family.
“He didn’t take any nonsense in a way. He knew what he wanted in the industry and also how he loved his family, how he kept in contact with everyone in the family and that’s how we will remember him and the man that he was. And, he groomed men on how to treat women, and he was all about fighting for women. Telling men that you can always be wrong at some point as a man, and you can’t always be right, so in a way, he was giving women a voice to speak.”
Actor Shai laid to rest:
Family friend, Mamanase Mathule says Shai has left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
“He was caring to his family, he loved his children, he loved his grandchildren. You know Patrick was a caring human being. The people will tell you that when you come across him you felt that care. You know the life that he lived, he left a legacy. We are all here because of the impact he had on each and every one of our lives. And I know that he will carry out wherever he is and I want to say thank you all for coming and celebrating his life.”
Avid Activist
The Department of Arts and Culture says Shai will be remembered as an avid activist against Gender-Based Violence. Deputy Minister, Nocawe Mafu.
“Today we bid farewell to a legend and a true son of the soil. With the passing of Patrick Shai, we have lost a soldier in the fight against GBV and femicide. As a GBV perpetrator himself, he was active in changing, which is why I think he founded the foundation. He died advocating against GBV and he had exposed his own shortcomings as a man in society.”
Shai was laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg.
Patrick Shai funeral service:
