Tributes pour in for Ferguson
31 Jul 2021
Commiseration messages flooded media platforms following the announcement of South African-based Botswana-born media mogul, Shona Ferguson’s death on Friday.
According to a press release from Ferguson Films, The Queen telenovela’s producer died due to COVID-19 complications at Milpark Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The 47-year-old’s demise saw a stream of comfort messages to his veteran actress wife, Connie Ferguson and family.
While hit by the loss, most of Uncle Sho as he was affectionately known by his legions of fans, are celebrating him as an epitome of love and happiness.
Industry players, family and fans took to social media to express their heartfelt tributes to Ferguson. His daughter, Ali Ferguson expressed sorrow at the demise of her loving father, but also celebrated him for being in her life.
“Words cannot express how I am feeling right now. My worst fear became a reality. You fought your fight dad and I am so proud of you for making it this far. You have not only touched our lives as your family, but you have touched many others as well,” said Ali.
“You have left a legacy behind that I will carry on, as I did make this promise when I was little to you. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, my doppelgänger. You made a promise to me that you will always be there when I need you, so I believe you will always be there even in spirit,” she added.
South Africa artist and choreographer, Bontle Modiselle said Fergusons’ love was heartwarming and inspiring.
“Scrolling through Instagram and witnessing a love like this was always so heartwarming. Not performed, just present. It inspired all, if not most of us. Uncle Sho, your entire life was an act of love. You loved your family deeply. You loved your craft deeply and your contributions show it. You can proudly stand in the presence of God, who you also openly shared your intense love for, and say you did a great thing in your time. Thank you for your life and your teachings,” she said.
“A legend has fallen, lala Mr Sho. I will forever be grateful for all that you have done for me,” said Duma Thando who recently left The Queen and was acting the role of Mpho Sebata.
Muvhango production where he worked also remembered him as a dedicated and passionate actor.“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ferguson family, friends and fans during this difficult time. We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our dear brother. We have lost a dedicated contributor in the film and television industry, who has been doing remarkable work. The loss is particularly personal for our Word Of Mouth Pictures family as Shona Ferguson was a part of the Muvhango cast for a few years, playing the part of Dr Leabua. We will remember him for his unmistakable dedication and passion,” said executive producer of Word Of Mouth Pictures, Duma Ndlovu on Instagram.
Ferguson started his acting career on the South African popular soapie, Generations as Ace. In 2006, Uncle Sho started acting on another South African Venda soapie, Muvhango as Dr Leabua where he gained popularity and fame from the Muvhango role. He left the show the following year and worked on The Wild, which was an M-Net soapie, as Itumeleng.
Together with his wife they co-founded film production company, Fergusons Films known for unleashing hit shows such as The Queen, The Throne, Rockville, The Gift and The Kings of Joburg, among others.
The Mochudi native along with his wife starred together on their film production’s series and shows such as on Rockville where he acted as Jackson ‘JB’ Bogatsu whilst his wife starred as Mavis.
On The Queen, he starred as Jerry Maake and his wife as Harriet Khoza, where their roles clashed as Ferguson portrayed the role of a good cop tirelessly working at arresting Harriet Khoza, the drug queen in the soapie.
Besides his muscular tattooed physique, which was admired especially by the female fans and envied by the males, he kept his fans drawn to the screen with his rather unique and authentic use of Setswana.
His delivery and pronunciation of the language on the television shows was designed to give pleasure and relaxation to his audience and his fellow Batswana always connected and related to his diligent articulation of Setswana and/or Sekgatla.
Through social media platforms, his fans and followers admired how he unashamedly showed the world how much he loved his wife and children. He became the epitome of a young black successful man whom many idolized and took a leaf out of his book. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Ketshepile More
Location : GABORONE
Event : Interview
Date : 31 Jul 2021
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