Founder of Soweto TV, Tshepo Thafeng has died at the age of 54 in a car accident on the R28 along Bekkersdal on Thursday November 25.

In a media statement issued by Julia Masemola, Head of Content and Technical Production, Thafeng is being laid to rest at the West Park Cemetery’s Heroes Acre section on Friday, 3 December.

Another statement issued on behalf of the board of the channel by Stella Putsoa, Administrative Manager of Human Resources (HR) at Soweto TV read, “The Board, management and staff of Soweto TV are saddened about the passing of Tshepo Thafeng.

Mr Thafeng and other stalwarts led the movement to bring the dream of a community television station for Soweto, which started with applying for a licence from the Independent Communications Authority (ICASA). The first licence was granted in 2005 to broadcast for a month.

“We will continue to create and source content that will make us one of the best television channels because we believe that this is the most befitting tribute we can pay to Mr Thafeng.”

A memorial service for Thafeng was also held on at Uncle Toms Hall, in Orlando West on Wednesday 1 December.