Journalist killed in PSL player crash was 'bright, beautiful daughter'

Durban – Women in Media (WIM) KwaZulu-Natal have urged people to "immerse themselves in the loss" of sports journalist Delisile Ngwengya, who died in a car accident along with Premier Soccer League player Mondli Cele on Sunday in Pietermaritzburg. 

Ngwenya and the Maritzburg United player were killed when their car rolled down an embankment and into the Duzi River.

Two other women in the car were injured. 

WIM said Ngwenya was a dedicated and passionate journalist.

"It is with deep sadness that the Women in Media KZN-SA notes the death of its passionate and dedicated member and sports journalist, Delisile Ngwenya. Delisile, known as Deli, died as a result of injuries she sustained in a car accident while travelling from a soccer game in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

"She joined WIM during its relaunch in May 2015, while she was a SABC Sports Intern based at Ukhozi FM. She has been an active member, always available when necessary for her to lend a hand in organising WIM activities."

WIM spokesperson Dudu Khoza called Ngwenya a "bright, beautiful daughter".

"WIM members, friends, co-workers, family and those that did not have the pleasure of meeting my bright, beautiful daughter, I urge you to focus on this moment. Be upset; be angry; be torn. Immerse yourself into the utter devastation of this loss," Khoza said.

"Give yourself this time to grieve fully because one day, instead of drowning in grief, you will feel empowered. The pain will still exist, but it will turn into a drive. A drive to be better. To push yourself to limits you didn't even think were possible.

“There will not be one moment where I forget her infectious smile, and grand wisdom. Deli focused on the present, learned from the past and never worried for things out of her control."

On Sunday, Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula said he was shocked by Cele's death.
 
"Road accidents rob us of our future and Cele is one out of many examples," he said in a statement.
 
"I watched him play Saturday as he landed the opening goal leading his club to a 3-3 draw with Orlando Pirates.
 
"I did not know I was watching him play for the last time."