South African actress, model, and DJ Pearl Thusi opened up her heart on Father’s Day, Sunday 15 June, by remembering her late father in a deeply emotional tribute that touched many of her fans and followers.
While many South African celebrities took time to honour their fathers and father figures, Pearl Thusi stood out with a heartfelt message that celebrated the love, strength, and care of her late dad. She shared a tribute video filled with memories, photos, and words that painted a clear picture of the bond they shared and how deeply she still feels his absence.
In the caption of the tribute video, Pearl wrote honestly and vulnerably: “Tbh, I haven’t been ok since you left. And I’m not mad at you… but I wasn’t done living with you. And I’m proud of you, dad. Every day I grow more and more proud of you.”
She continued to reflect on their unique relationship and the impact her father had on her life: “Because of the sometimes challenging but incredible memories we have… God made sure we were together at some point of this lifetime. And I hope to bump into you again in the next.”
Pearl also used her personal expression of love to honour the role her father played in shaping her view of love and self-worth: “You are still an amazing father because you made sure I would never doubt that I was loved. So no man on this earth can doubt I’m worth loving. And death will never do us apart. I know you’re always with me.”
Adding her personal and traditional family touch, she affectionately mentioned family clan names and ended the message with a beautiful note on love: “To know love is something that lives within me. And your love for me, I breathe deeply.”
Along with the touching video tribute, Pearl shared a message that also honoured her father. The message described him as a man who stuck to his values and never gave up on his responsibilities—even when life got tough.
“In a world where being a deadbeat is not frowned upon, and being a father seems optional to many men, I just want to give thanks to my Dad!” the message read.
“He was a traditional man who didn’t pick and choose when it was convenient to apply his values. When mom passed away, we were all very young, but he didn’t give up on us.”
She spoke about how he never used his difficult upbringing or finances as excuses, but rather helped them understand his perspective as a single father. “He didn’t have people who prioritised or modelled the role of a father for him growing up… I’m forever grateful for the siblings he and mom gave me… And I’m so glad he got to be a Grandpa from maternal side of the family as well!”
The post ended with a reflection on how their father’s actions and dedication helped shape their understanding of what a real man and father should be: “I’m thankful that he was the man he was, because it’s helped shape my understanding of what a man does regardless of challenges, and what a Father should be. I love you Dad!”
