MORE TRIBUTES TO MONICA FAIRALL

Highly popular broadcaster is remembered by those who worked with her.

Monica Fairall - broadcaster, author, actress, singer, musician, health guru and former Miss South Africa – died in Durban on June 21. Tributes are still being received on all online websites, blogs and facebooks honouring her special personality and contribution to the arts.

“Whether on a yoga mat, in print or on air, Monica was a special presence -- gentle but strong, passionate but immensely principled, with the ability to bring the complex and esoteric engagingly to earth. But it's her warmth and quiet serenity I'll miss most.” - Durban journalist Glynis Horning

* * *

“I, too, was saddened to read of the death of Monica. I will always remember her elegance, her beautiful voice, her sense of fun and her lovely smile.

The artSMart article mentioned her singing voice and a story I have was that many years ago, my husband John and I were privileged to work with Monica in a show called Razzle Dazzle at the Lyric Theatre in Umbilo Road. She was such fun and not only could she sing but she was a wonderful actress, especially in a Victorian Melodrama that was part of the show. Thanks to her, it was hilarious and it brought the house down every night.

She was the epitome of kindness and had compassion for others less fortunate than herself and was especially kind to my mum (indeed had endless patience with her) who was often in touch with her about health issues and nutrition.

I will always remember Monica with great fondness.” Love from me. Janet Welch Operations Manager VShe Promotions

* * *

“Our condolences on the passing away of Monica. She was indeed a very fine lady, in the old and new fashioned sense of the word. As an indication of her remarkable reach, our daughter Jess, of another generation, was aware of her presence on radio and as a Durban personality and was saddened by the news.

We'd like to extend our condolences to Monica's family, friends and fans on the occasion of her passing. Our thoughts are with them. We shall not be able to attend her farewell service as we are leaving on Saturday morning for a three week trek around East Africa, the place of some years of my childhood, with our daughters.” - Christine and Sam Sole.

* * *

“I write these few words wearing two hats: as a media colleague, and as an arts practitioner.

Monica to me was ever elegant, ever caring, and always professional. Working with her as I did for about 10 years was an ongoing lesson in meticulous planning and presentation both in front of and behind the mic. She enjoyed a very special bond with her behind-the-scenes technical staff, and they were so in tune with her methods of continuity that at times their fingers were on the buttons before she even made the request.

Whether putting out a health or music programme on radio, or appearing on TV, she was easy to watch and listen to, and her interview subjects were always eager to be part of a line-up.

Aside from electronic media, she was a journalist and author, and also no mean singer. I had the opportunity of seeing her on stage on more than one occasion, and in return, she was very supportive of my theatrical ventures in the dance world.

Still reeling from shock, I hope she is resting now, and we can go on in her memory striving to attain the same professionalism she always produced.” - Caryl Cusens

Donations in memory of Monica and in lieu of flowers to: Highway Hospice, Durban, Bank: Nedbank, Branch: Pavilion (138226), Account: 2382005432 (Savings). Or to the Donkey Sanctuary, McGregor (near Cape Town – where Monica and Robert “adopted” one of the donkeys being cared for): Bank: Standard Bank, Branch: Robertson (050413), Account: 288244419