I’ve been reading a lot about the tragic passing of Simba Mhere, the popular presenter of SABC3’s high-end lifestyle TV show Top Billing. Mhere’s life ended abruptly on the morning of Saturday 31st January when, on his way to OR Tambo International Airport to catch a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, he was involved in a fatal accident. Judging by the level of outpouring of tributes for the man, it’s pretty clear he was well loved and will be sorely missed. Recurring themes within the thread of messages in mainstream and social media are that Simba was humble, passionate about his work and poised for even greater heights than he had reached. What has touched me most about the things said about him was that he was real. What he was in front of people was what he would be when they were out of sight. This speaks volumes, particularly in an industry known for back-biting, nastiness and maneuvering.

At 1Africa, our thoughts and prayers are with Simba’s family, friends, colleagues and fans. We pray that God would comfort them at this time of mourning.

May we also be challenged to live each day with a view to leave behind a legacy.