Tributes continue to pour in following the death of the TV personality and HIV/Aids activist Angie Diale. The 55-year-old Diale died on Thursday evening following complications from pneumonia.
Her family confirmed the news of her death to Daily Sun. In a statement they say, “She was suffering from shortness of breath and subsequently treated at Tshepo Themba Hospital yesterday. She was later transferred to Leratong, where she sadly passed in the early hours of the morning.”
A true Mzansi icon
Diale, who was fondly known as Mam’Angie, captured the heart of Mzansi as the no-nonsense host of SABC shows Please step in and Relate. Both programmes focused on assisting those who were struggling with family matters.
She was also a celebrated HIV activist and health and relationship counsellor who shared her knowledge with others.
In addition to her television work, Diale was a respected authority on health and relationship matters. She was also the managing director of the Peo Entle HIV Wellness and Youth Skills Development Centre.
She also facilitated “It takes courage”, a curriculum that was developed to help youth and adults identify their dreams and learn about health and unhealthy relationships using churches, schools, and street corners to foster dialogues.
In 2005, she was the spokesperson for the national department of health’s Khomanani campaign lobbying the nation to turn around the HIV pandemic through meeting the everyday needs of people living with HIV/Aids.
Twitter reacts to Mam’Angie’s death
Meanwhile, South Africans are taking to Twitter to share their memories of Diale.