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Molete Street in Dobsonville, Soweto, where the late actor Patrick Shai lived for 33 years, remained eerie yesterday as his neighbours were still in shock at his passing.
Shai died on Saturday after he reportedly committed suicide in his garage. To his neighbour, he was more than a celebrated actor.
“Most of the people here are even traumatised to come out of their homes. We are in disbelief about what happened. We still can’t believe he [allegedly] took his own life,” said the neighbour yesterday.
“I last saw him some time in December. He was standing on the street with other men. I greeted him and he waved back at me. He was his usual energetic, smiling self. When he meets you on the street he would crack a joke and greet you with a handshake. I am still shocked about what happened.”
Another neighbour said he sometimes used Shai’s status to impress girlfriends. “I would introduce them (girlfriends) to Shai and boast that I know a celebrity. To us he was not just a celebrity. He was our father and a role model who lived with us,” he said.
Dozens of cars were seen arriving at the actor’s double-storey house yesterday where two tents had been erected. Among the familiar faces seen were arts minister Nathi Mthethwa’s spokesperson Masechaba Khumalo, Generations: The Legacy actors Muzi Mthabela and Mpho Molepo, and former Rhythm City and Diep City actor Mduduzi Mabaso.
Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in yesterday.
TV actor and playwright Sello Maake ka Ncube, who was introduced to Shai in the 1980s, defined Shai as an exceptional actor. He said Shai’s death was a huge loss to the performing arts industry.
“When I saw Patrick acting in a theatre show he immediately became my inspiration. Over the years our relationship grew but we never had a chance to work together. I always admired his talent. We lost one of the greatest actors who did not mind to dish out advice for free.
"Shai was streetwise and smart. Dr Sello Galane once told me that he once asked Shai how far he went academically and he was shocked to learn that he only had matric. Galane was baffled by how Patrick interrogated issues as if he was an intellectual.”
Shai’s associate and founder of Life@40’nBeyond, Terry Mokoena, said he was still struggling to come to terms with his death.
“When I heard about the news of Patrick’s passing I could not believe it. I kept calling all his cellphones. He was older than me but we clicked. We have been friends for many years. I was with him until he changed his ways by forming an organisation such as Khuluma Ndoda.
“When I started Life@40’nBeyond, he was there and supported me. I used to live a rough life and thanks to him I was able to change. He made me believe that a person can change if given a second chance.”
National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces chairperson Amos Masondo said in a joint statement: “Shai was not just an artist, he was a legend, an inspiring figure beyond the arts fraternity, a change-maker and exemplary leader and a true activist and advocate against gender-based violence.
“We are gutted and bitterly saddened by the loss of such a titanic and incomparable talent, an outstanding human being with a humble personality.”
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