He was one of the country’s most critically distinguished television producers. So Shona Ferguson’s funeral, a private ceremony that took place on Wednesday, had a slew of the country’s top actors and film industry insiders in attendance as they gave the legendary producer a warm send-off.

Close family members, including his wife Connie Ferguson, their children, as well as his brother Dominique Ferguson were there to lay the fallen legend to his final resting place.

The multi-hyphenate actor, who together with his wife Connie Ferguson built a giant production company, died of a Covid-19 related complications on 30 July after a week of receiving treatment at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. The news were confirmed by Conrad Mwanza, a representative from the Ferguson Foundation, triggering a wave of grief across the country.

Connie Ferguson is reported to have delivered a pre-recorded eulogy. The eulogy, which has been heard by News24, had the actress pouring out her despair during a dark time in her life. “Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be in this position that I am in today – speaking as I am today, without your physical presence”, she said. “Sho, I thought you and I were going to grow old together. That’s what I saw. That’s what I saw for myself; that’s what I saw for us. That’s always been the dream. I never, never anticipated where we are today.”

Discover Latest Movies, Film New & Reviews and Connect With Us On Twitter and Facebook

After dishing out a brief statement about the explosive domestic violence allegations made by his estranged husband Mohale Motaung on Sunday, Somizi has retreated almost entirely from the media storm. Mohale has claimed that Somizi had once threatened him with a kitchen knife just three weeks after their glittering wedding. He also revealed how Mhlongo, 48, allegedly flew into raging tantrums that were fuelled by jealousy.

The popular media personality, who’s widely adored for his funny persona and highly engaging social media presence, is yet to explain if, and whether, the chilling reality claimed by Mohale is true. Calls for Somizi to be “cancelled”, along with high profile celebrities expressing their support for Mohale, are gaining momentum. The outcomes could be catastrophic.

Mhlongo is affiliated with massive brands, including Idols South Africa, Metro FM and his relationship with M-Net for his Living The Dream with Somizi reality show, amongst many others. The PR nightmare resulting from the shocking reports have been snowballing since the viral audio, in which Mohale details terrifying recollections of an abusive relationship filled with physical violence, jealousy and rage, first surfaced.

Metro FM reportedly announced on Wednesday, 4 August, that Somizi had requested to “take some time off from work”, and had been granted the permission to do so. There’s not been much from Somizi’s camp since this development.

The radio station did, however, distance themselves from the blowback.  In a press statement seen by Sowetan, the station wish to be excluded from the narrative. “The corporation has noted the comments on social media about Mr Mhlongo and we would like to point out that the public service broadcaster does not condone any acts of abuse and violence”

In the viral audio obtained by Sunday World, Mohale claims that his husband Somizi Mhlongo, had been physically abusive. Mohale claims that Somizi had threatened to kill him with a kitchen knife, which allegedly took place just three weeks after their much publicised grand wedding. Mohale revealed that he had been afraid of of Somizi when they exchange vows at their wedding. The lavish matrimonial affair can be seen on their wedding special, currently streaming on Showmax.

Browse The Latest TV Show Scoops, Recaps & Reviews

The South African Film & Television awards are facing widespread backlash after removing Katlego Maboe from their Best TV Presenter Public Vote category.

In a statement, the awards show explained that they had deliberated over the matter of “concerns regarding the nomination of Mr.Katlego Maboe”, and in the end decided to rescind his nomination. Effectively, fans will no longer have the option to vote for Maboe, who has previously won in the category.

Although the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa (NFVF) did not expand on the said concerns, it is believed the decision to drop Maboe has to do with the cheating allegations that rocked the internet last year.

In viral footage that circulated on social media in October 2020, the Expresso presenter can be heard detailing a confession to counts of infidelity.  In the video, Katlego confesses to having an affair and names the person he’d been meeting at a hotel.

But this was last year, and many have taken to social media to blast the SAFTA’s for their decision.

Appreciation post for Katlego Maboe… he is the GOAT! You will never take it away from him!

The SAFTAS must be condemned for pulling out Katlego’s nomination! It is unconstitutional and most unethical! pic.twitter.com/qLiKHUl7lU

— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) May 15, 2021

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

Katlego Maboe pic.twitter.com/JspmorZeWz

— MJ Ncube 🇺🇸🇿🇦 (@TherealMJNcube) May 14, 2021

Well, Katlego Maboe is still one of the greatest TV Presenters we’ve ever had. pic.twitter.com/iTmnbQaGoh

— Bruno Sigwela🇿🇦 (@BrunoSigwela) May 14, 2021

Well, Katlego Maboe is still one of the greatest TV Presenters we’ve ever had. pic.twitter.com/iTmnbQaGoh

— Bruno Sigwela🇿🇦 (@BrunoSigwela) May 14, 2021