Article by: Dumisane Dube
The family of veteran actor Patrick Shai says he will be laid to rest this Saturday. Shai died last Saturday morning at his Soweto home aged 66.
Police say the late actor took his own life and his body was discovered by his wife in the garage of his Dobsonville home. Shai’s family released a statement confirming his death.
Shai’s career spanned more than 30 years and he has starred in countless TV productions, including Soul City, Generations,Yizo Yizo and 7de Laan.
He was also a gender-based activist and one of the founding members of Free Film Makers of South Africa.
“Ntate Shai was a compassionate hero of our struggle against gender-based violence who would use his artistic skills to ensure that the message gets across to his intended audience,” said chairperson for the Commission for Gender Equality, Tamara Mathebula.
His son Lekgetho Shai said the family is still coming to terms with his passing.
“The family is still currently in shock and we are trying by all means to cope and we just need to be strong as a family. And with regards to funeral arrangements, we are having a memorial service on Thursday at the market theatre and the time is not confirmed yet, the funeral will be on Saturday and the time and venue are still not confirmed for the funeral,” said Lekgetho Shai.
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