- South African TV personality Angie Diale has died at the age of 55.
- The celebrated presenter died from pneumonia on Thursday.
- Angie was best known for hosting Mzansi Magic’s Please Step In for 7 seasons.
Reality TV show Please Step In host and local HIV activist Angie ‘Mam’ Angie’ Diale has died.
iReport South Africa confirmed the 55-year-old TV presenter’s death on Thursday afternoon through a statement from Mzansi Magic.
Shirley Adonis, channel director of local entertainment, said they were saddened by Diale’s death.
Well-known entertainment journalist Phil Mphela broke the news on Twitter. Diale is known for her work as an agony aunt and most notably, host of the Mzansi Magic programme Please Step In.
ANGIE DIALE: WHO WAS SA’S FAVOURITE TV COUNSELLOR?
South Africans first got to know and love Angie Diale with the hit SABC 1 show Relate, where people from all walks of life would write to her about a range of problems, from dealing with drugs to teenage pregnancy. She was also considered an advocate for those living with HIV/Aids, having done work in communities to help get rid of the stigma.
Diale, who herself was HIV positive, has been open about living with the virus. She contracted HIV shortly after the birth of her son.
“She was complaining of shortness of breath and subsequently treated at Tshepo Temba Hospital yesterday and later transferred to Leratong Hospital where she sadly passed in the early hours of this morning. The cause of death has been confirmed to be Pneumonia, [sic]” said the statement.
Angie leaves behind her mother, husband, brother, two children, and a grandson.
“Mzansi Magic is saddened by the news of Angie Diale’s (Mam Angie) passing. She appeared on Mzansi Magic’s Please Step in for 7 seasons in a social intervention programme which focused on assisting those in our society who were struggling with family relations and dianamics .
“Mam Angie is a celebrated HIV activist, health and relationship counsellor who shared her knowledge graciously with others and always encouraging forgiveness. The Mzansi Magic team sends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time”, said a statement by Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director of Local Entertainment Channels.
Details of the memorial service and funeral will be confirmed at a later stage, said the family spokesperson.