Real reason why Shona Ferguson’s death feels so personal

As the Fergusons laid to rest their beloved patriarch Shona Ferguson this week, those he touched mostly want him to be remembered for lasting impact he will have on the TV and film industry.

The 47-year-old filmmaker’s untimely passing on 31 July due to Covid-19 complications is still being felt in many sectors of society.

Connie Ferguson said the biggest legacy her husband would leave would be Ferguson Films, which they created in 2010. The film and TV production company helped shaped and grow what local content is today.

“Ferguson Films is his legacy, and it will continue to grow stronger,” she said during his memorial. Shona’s love for his family was also mentioned frequently, with people saying they aspired to be like him because of how much love he gave them.

His brother, Dominque, said: “You are the blueprint, a giant.”

Shona’s passion for creating new series and expanding South Africa’s productions was likened to what American Tyler Perry did for black films in Hollywood. From Rockville, The Queen, The Herd, and Kings of Joburg – all award-winning shows that have started many careers and brought in new faces.

But fans want Shona to be remembered for who he is.

He was not the Tyler Perry of South Africa, he was the Shona Ferguson of South Africa. Yekelani lomsangano.

— ?Beloved eKasi (@Beloved_Ekasi) August 5, 2021

I think if we are going to compare @Shona_Ferguson to Tyler Perry, we must clarify that we are not comparing them in the quality of their writing and directing. Because they are worlds apart! Shona's work is superb!

— FibroWarrior ? (@navuyo) August 6, 2021

I’m watching Shona Furgeson’s funeral and man ????????????????. This man was loved. He was an ICON! The Tyler Perry of Africa ???.

— We dominate? (@marve_sh) August 4, 2021

Rockville actor Mabalane said whilst filming the last season of the show she told Shona that “he wears God so well”.

The biggest lesson she learnt from the Fergusons was that it was never about them as actors.

“The industry, the fame, the platform, was never about us, it is what God does in and through us… To look at Mr Sho’s life, look at what the Lord has done. He opened up himself to be used by God, to me that is power.”

Connie said during the funeral: “My husband loved hard and most importantly loved the Lord hard, unashamedly.”

The actress says she was lucky to experience a “once in a lifetime” kind of love with Shona. She says she has to find it in herself to continue.

“Our love does not die, you continue on in my heart, in my children’s heart. Thank you, Shonie for everything.”

Knives out for Rasta after his Shona Ferguson painting

Rasta has been the talk of the town since he found himself being one of the artists whose work is to paint pictures of late celebrities. This time again he has disappointed fans on social media after revealing his current work.

The famous artist took to social media to pay tribute to late entertainment guru Shona Ferguson, and well as always, Mzansi was far from being impressed

See the reactions below.

According to Rasta this is Shona Furgason. ? pic.twitter.com/XcyXgHB7C4

— Rumani® (@RealMrumaDrive) August 6, 2021

Rasta usiqhela amasimba…whay did he draw Philemon Masinga pic.twitter.com/gOrXZouQ0p

— Soni (@Soni_Sepoko) August 6, 2021

According to Rasta this is Shona Furgason. ? pic.twitter.com/XcyXgHB7C4

— Rumani® (@RealMrumaDrive) August 6, 2021

According to Rasta this is Shona Furgason. ? pic.twitter.com/XcyXgHB7C4

— Rumani® (@RealMrumaDrive) August 6, 2021

According to Rasta this is Shona Furgason. ? pic.twitter.com/XcyXgHB7C4

— Rumani® (@RealMrumaDrive) August 6, 2021

Brenda Ngxoli thanks Shona Ferguson for making her one of the highest paid actresses in Mzansi

Actress Brenda Ngxoli is one of the well-paid actresses in Mzansi.

She recently took to her Instagram page to reveal the news.

On Tuesday, Brenda thanked late actor Shona Ferguson and his wife, actress Connie Ferguson, for treating and paying her well.

“Thank you Mr S (@ferguson_films) and sis Conza (@connie_ferguson) for saying yes when many were saying no! Thank you Mr S for showing us that black exists. Thank you for treating and paying me well.

Abantu abafana nani banqabile. Sis Conza, uyathandwa nkosazana,” she wrote.

Her message attracted positive responses from her colleagues and fans.

Instagram user Rams Syd said: “Thank you Brenda. It is called appreciation. Thanks; many blessings are on your way. You just called for more blessings to your self darling. The universe responds well to this.”

Thuli Masumpa commented: “They are not scarce; they are not there. We thank them for giving you the opportunity. Rest in power, uncle Sho.”

Then Beeblebeep added: “I remember your post when you noted that they gave you your first ‘own everything’ on set.”

Brenda is among the few artists who still have well-paying jobs during Covid-19 pandemic when others lost theirs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brenda Ngxoli ???????? (@brendangxoli)

Video: Entertainment mogul Shona Ferguson laid to rest

The Ferguson family has said their last goodbyes to the late Shona Ferguson.

Shona was laid to rest today, 4 August, in a funeral that was broadcast virtually.

His family, colleagues, and friends all spoke about how much of a people’s person he was.

The actor died last Friday, 30 July, following complications with Covid-19.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa also spoke at the funeral.

Themba Ndaba, who plays Brutus on Mzansi Magic’s The Queen, read his obituary.

His sister-in-law, Lerato Magdalene Pilane said Shona was diagnosed with Covid-19 on 26 June and spoke about how much he struggled with the virus.

Lerato said she helped Connie with taking care of Shona during the time he was sick.

“He was diagnosed with Covid on 26 June. The treatment started at home for about a week. The symptoms changed and on 3 July, he was admitted to hospital in Netcare Pinehaven Hospital and struggled with low oxygen levels because of his weak lungs. I think the Covid affected the lungs. With that struggle, it got worse, and he was moved to high care,” she said.

“He seemed to have been better and then he was discharged on 10 July. That evening, he took a turn for the worst and was readmitted on 11 July. His condition started deteriorating. On 15 July, he got really worse and the doctors did what they could from Pine Heaven, but he had to be airlifted to Netcare Milpark Hospital on 16 July where he spent two weeks in ICU,” she said.

Lerato said on 29 July, they received a call from the doctor saying they should rush to the hospital.

“We spent the whole night with him and the doctor said he’s better. On 30 July, the doctor said we can go back home and freshen up because he was better. As soon as we freshened up, we were called back to the hospital. We got there a bit late and they told us he had passed,” she said.

Connie said she never thought she would be burying her husband. They played her pre-recorded message after their two daughters, Alicia Ferguson and Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson as well as their grandson, Ronewa Malema left the podium.

“Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be in this position that I am today. Speaking as I am today, without your physical presence. Sho, I thought you and I were going to grow old together. That’s what I saw for myself, for us. That’s always been the dream and it’s always where I thought you and I were going. I never, never anticipated where we are today,” said Connie.

“I nursed you for four weeks, 28 days to be specific. I had never known anyone as strong as you, Sho. How I saw you at the hospital, how you fought. Skat, I want you to know that I am so proud of you. I haven’t known anyone with your fighting spirit. Even on that hospital bed, skat, you defied the odds so many times,” she said.

She continued to say they prayed for Shona’s healing when he was in hospital.

“I’m hurting right now. M heart is bleeding. I wasn’t ready for you to go. The girls were not ready for you to go. When you became sick, I mean, we’ve always been a praying family, but I don’t think we’ve ever prayed so much in our lives. We prayed to God and believed in your healing. Every time we went to see you, we would pray with you and for you when you couldn’t pray. We played praise and worship songs and just believed God for your healing. I think I’m beginning to understand that God heals differently,” said Connie.

Alicia spoke about the relationship she had with her father.

“My father and I had a weird relationship. Some people would swear we hated each other but it was far different than that. I think the main thing was that he and I were so alike in terms of our characteristics, how I look a lot like him,” she said.

“My dad has done a lot for me as a person. He motivated me to take bigger steps in life that I wouldn’t have taken. He encouraged me to do things that I wouldn’t do and I’m very thankful he has enabled me to do that,” said Alicia.

Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson remembered the first day he met Shona on 31 July 2000 and described the outfit he was wearing. He said from that day he and her mum had been inseparable since.

Video: Heartbreaking tribute from Shona Ferguson’s grandson Ronewa

Shona Ferguson‘s family took to the podium at the late actor and producer’s funeral service on Wednesday to share their fond memories of a loving son, brother, father and husband.

The actor’s stepdaughter, Lesedi Ferguson, daughter Alicia Ferguson and grandson Ronewa shared heartbreaking tributes to their father.

“My grandpa was very much more than my grandpa’ because he already knew whatever I wanted whenever I asked. He used to call me Khai and he used to call me King but now that he is in heaven I’ll never hear him call me King,” Ronewa said.

Kai’s tribute and eulogy to his grandpa Shona Ferguson was so heartfelt…???? #ConnieFerguson #UncleSho #RIPShonaFerguson pic.twitter.com/p9V48PBsve

— Meluleki Simelane ?? (@IamSluga) August 4, 2021

Watch: Shona Ferguson’s coffin finally arrives at the service

The funeral service of media mogul, Shona Ferguson is underway in Ruimsig, Johannesburg. Aaron Arthur Shona Ferguson passed away on Friday at the Netcare Milpark Hospital from Covid-19-related complications. Mr. Shona Ferguson’s funeral will be held in Fourways cemetery in JHB.

As per Covid-19 protocols, only family and close friends may attend. Sneek peaks of what is taking place at the private ceremony have emerged on social media. Take a view at the video of Shona’s coffin being escorted as it arrives at the funeral service.

Watch:

RIP Shona Ferguson.Condolences to your family and all your loved ones. #ConnieFerguson pic.twitter.com/EdbbyCLMK5

— ? (@leboc_r) August 4, 2021

More details on Shona Ferguson’s funeral

Ferguson Films shared what appears to be a statement from The Fergusons about the burial of legendary actor Shona Ferguson. According to the statement, Shona will be laid to rest this Wednesday and the funeral will only be attended by family members.

Re: Shona Ferguson

The Ferguson family would like to confirm that the late Shona Ferguson will be laid to rest in a private ceremony attended only by family members on Wednesday, 4 August 2021.

Details of a memorial service will be communicated at a later stage and all the necessary arrangements have been finalized.

We would like to thank our friends and the public at large for the kind words of comfort during this difficult period.

Shona Ferguson’s younger sister in denial over brother’s death

The sudden death of media giant Shona Ferguson is still a major shock to many South Africans. The Ferguson Films co-founder and TV producer succumbed to Covid-19 related complications on Friday, July 30, at the Milpark Hospital in Joburg.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Ferguson’s sister Kiki Nembhard says she is still battling to comprehend her big brother’s untimely death.

In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram and Twitter, the media personality shared the shock and pain of losing her older sibling.

“Big Bro! I’ve been trying to put the pieces together because I want to understand what the hell is going on? I’m sitting here without any answers,” expressed Nembhard.

Reflecting over their last conversation, Nembhard said her brother had assured her he was recovering.

“You told me you were out of the woods and you were getting better … I held onto your words and that is why I’m still in denial that you are no more” said Nembhard.

She added: “We’ve been waiting for the pandemic to be over so we can could turn up, and have fun when you visit. Now what?”

The family has denied earlier reports that the 47-year-old had succumbed to a heart attack.

He was well-known for his appearances in “Rockville” and “The Queen”, among other Ferguson Films productions.

Nembhard also paid a sweet tribute to her older sibling: “I will miss your kind heart, your smile, your loud laugher and of course your warm hugs. You left me with memories of to treasure forever.”

In the statement, Nembhard said she hurt at not being able to say goodbye to her brother and that her “heart bleeds” for her sister-in-law, actress Connie Ferguson.

“I know what I’m feeling is nothing compared to what she (Connie) and the girls are going through.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kiki Nembhard (@kiki.nembhard)

Fresh details surrounding Shona Ferguson’s cause of death emerge

Friday, July 30, the world received the very sad news of Shona Ferguson’s death. However, in the wake of his untimely death new details surrounding the death of Shona Ferguson has emerged and Mzansi is not having none of it. According to Ferguson Films the celebrated star actor, director and producer succumbed to Covid-19 complications.

However, rumour has it that the actor died after he failed to get the proper medication he deserved. Netcare Milpark Hospital where Shona was admitted has seen itself trending for the wrong reasons of late.

Mzansi’s has weighed into the matter with its two cents and Netcare Milpark Hospital is being blamed for Shona Ferguson’s death.

EFF leader Julius Malema was one of the politicians who lashed out at the medical centre. Taking it to Twitter Malema shared a cryptic tweet that assumes that Milpark was at fault. However, Malema tweeted:

“It looks like this Milkpark is overrated. ???”, tweeted EFF leader Julius Malema.

It seems as if Malema tweet opened a can of worms that needs answers. Here are some of the tweets that flooded social media blaming Private Hospitals for poor services.

“Private hospitals are way overrated. Plus the private healthcare system is flawed in many ways, but the middle class on medical aid will never be ready to hear that. They think biscuits and coffee means good healthcare”

“Highly overrated hospital indeed. People are losing lives there”

“Aha… I once told my partner that I stay in Jozi but if anything happens am not going there, a lot of prominent people took their last breath there…”

“Money-making schemes those ones. The way they are milking government is not funny”

“Most Private Hospitals are Overrated, Moneymaking schemes, I took my kids to some of them, as a Healthcare professional myself, I know how Pathetic they can Be!”

However, it was recently reported that Prophet who foresaw TB Joshua and Dr Kaunda Death speaks: “I see a filmmaker and actor dying in ICU”. No doubt Mzansi was more than worried after Prophet of doom Dr Mellontik Orasi Ministration dropped a bombshell.

The controversial prophet who is best known for prophesying TB Joshua and Dr Kaunda’s death. The man of oath got Mzansi worried when he shared a cryptic post o Facebook. In his post the prophet has it that:

“I was standing there I saw is it was a film person or actor in South Africa I heard weird beeps of a hospital machine then all of a sudden he was declared dead. Prayer can preserve this life.”

This is how Shona Ferguson inspired Mzansi – A legend that will always be remembered

Shona Ferguson‘s successes have made him one of Africa’s most inspirational figures. It made a whole lot of sense for people to look up to him for inspiration.

Sadly, with the news of his passing, Shona Ferguson has left many hearts sore as the continent mourns a great legend. A representative from the Ferguson Foundation, Conrad Mwanza did confirm the news of his passing.

In celebration of how great he was, here are the 8 times he left us inspired.

1. On success and criticism

Here is a powerful quote by Grant Cardone on how to tackle the hate from the haters. This was in response to rumors circulating about how he mistreated cast members in his production company. The quote definitely did its job.

1. On making their marriage work
   Here’s how Shona and his wife Connie Ferguson kept their marriage intact:
   “There is no trick to making a marriage work. We don’t focus too much on the outside because no one from the outside truly knows us.

1. On being inspired by the Bible

As is evident from his Instagram feed, Shona is a very inspirational man. The posts are encouraging and give his followers inspiration as is evident from their comments.