Shadrack Maboea, a journalist, entrepreneur and community leader in the Free State, has died.
Born on 3 October 1962 in Afrikaskop, Eastern Free State, to Nyaole and Mamothithi Jacobina Maboea, he was the youngest of three siblings. His brother Apesi and sister Paulina predeceased him.
After completing primary education in Afrikaskop, Kestell, he began secondary education at Thotagauta in 1980, later matriculating at Lebogang Secondary School in Thabong. His academic ability earned him a teaching post at Thotagauta Secondary School.
Maboea later worked as a taxi driver and cashier at Welkom Hotel for a decade. In 1991, he pursued journalism, enrolling at Birman Business College in Johannesburg for a diploma in Journalism.
He furthered his education at the South African Academy of Dramatic Arts, earning a certificate in Television Presenting.
He joined the Goldfields Tribune as a reporter and contributed to the Free State Express as a freelancer before transitioning to the Welkom Publicity Association.
Carol Davidson, who met Maboea in the 1980s, said he demonstrated exceptional management skills, coordinating VIP visits to Welkom, the inception of the Welkom flea market and the annual Christmas lights display.
He and his wife co-founded Welkom Tours, a travel agency that broke barriers in a previously segregated industry.
Maboea later founded Free State Sports Focus, a publication operating in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District with a readership of 300 000, and established Lesedi Photographic Studios, which expanded throughout the Eastern Free State.
In 2020, he expanded into production, hosting his first production with Masupatsela FM.
Carol Davidson, who met Maboea in the 1980s, said he demonstrated exceptional management skills, coordinating VIP visits to Welkom, the inception of the Welkom flea market and the annual Christmas lights display.
Maboea is survived by his wife Maureen, six children and grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest on Saturday 20 June. A funeral service will be held at the Ferdi Meyer Hall from 08:00 to 10:00, followed by interment at the Phakisa Cemetery. – Khojane Matutle
