by Thinus Ferreira
Angie Allen Diale, the TV personality who appeared on South African TV shows as an HIV activist and health and relationship councillor as "Mam Angie", has died at 55 on Thursday from pneumonia after a short illness.
Angie Diale, who appeared on TV shows like Relate on SABC1 and the reality series Please Step In on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), leaves behind her husband, brother, two children and a grandson.
In a statement, a family spokesperson says that Angie Diale 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".
Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director for local entertainment channels, in a statement says "Mzansi Magic is saddened by the news of Angie Diale's passing. She appeared on Mzansi Magic's Please Step In for 7 seasons in a social intervention programme that focused on assisting those in our society who were struggling with family relations and dynamics".
"Mam Angie is a celebrated HIV activist, health and relationship counsellor who shared her knowledge graciously with others and always encouraged forgiveness. The Mzansi Magic team sends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time."
The SABC in a statement said that "It is
with great sadness that the SABC has learnt of the passing of the TV presenter Angie Diale".
"Angie Diale was known for being
a compassionate and thoughtful presenter on the SABC1 factual entertainment
series Relate. She was also the content advisor and resident councillor for the
TV show Choice which was also broadcast on SABC1."
"Angie Diale was innately passionate about communication between the youth, parents
and the community. She facilitated It Takes Courage, a curriculum developed to
help youth and adults to identify their dreams and learn about healthy and
unhealthy relationships using churches, schools and street corners to start
conversations."
"The SABC sends its
heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues."
Shortly after the birth of her son, Angie Diale, who grew up in Meadowlands, Soweto, and who worked as a student nurse at Sandringham Gardens and later at the Johannesburg Hospital, was diagnosed with HIV and she decided to set up HIV wellness clinics in townships across Soweto and Mpumalanga.
As a health coordinator, Angie Diale was one of the founders of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa).
In 2005 Angie Diale was the spokesperson for the South Africa's department of health's Khomanani campaign, lobbying the public to help turn the tide against the HIV pandemic in South Africa.
Since 2008 Angie Diale was managing director at PEO Entle HIV Wellness and Youth Skills Development, and she also worked for World Vision South Africa
Angie Diale was a content advisor and resident counsellor on Choice, a youth series that was broadcast on SABC1 and was the co-host of Please Step In for the first two seasons on Mzansi Magic after which she became the solo presenter from the third season onwards after her co-presenter was fired.
