Tributes pour in for the late Xolani Gwala

South Africans yesterday woke up to the sad news of the passing of broadcaster Xolani Gwala.

Those who knew him described him as a true gentleman, a legendary journalist who was not afraid to ask difficult questions and with a passion for debate.

The 44-year-old broadcaster died early yesterday morning after battling with stage four colon cancer since September 2017.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to Gwala’s family, friends and colleagues in the media fraternity in South Africa and abroad.

“We have lost a youthful veteran in an important sector in our country,” Ramaphosa said. “Gwala carried with him the values of our transition to democracy. The values of listening and being open to views that conflict with or offend your own, and to focus on solutions.”

Gauteng Premier David Makhura also expressed condolences on the passing of a seasoned broadcaster.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Gwala and express our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said Makhura.

“He played an indispensable role as a facilitator of conversation and ensured that those who are occupying positions of responsibility are held accountable.

“He was a brilliant newsman and an extraordinary human being.”

Gwala’s widow, Peggy-Sue Khumalo and family wrote a letter expressing their sentiments on his passing, and to express gratitude for the heartfelt messages the family had received during his battle with cancer.

“We have been moved and inspired by the hard and formidable fight he waged, which represented his greatness and willpower to conquer. Xolani won his battle against cancer not only for himself, but for many others, and was a fierce campaigner for cancer awareness and early detection,” Khumalo said.

Sonke Gender Justice spokesperson Bafana Khumalo was shocked by Gwala’s death.

“I woke up to the devastating news about the passing on of the immutable Xolani Gwala. What a life! Mphephethwa [his clan name] has made such a huge contribution and touched so many lives through his professionalism as a journalist,” Khumalo said.

Congress of South African Trade Unions spokesperson Sizwe Pamla joined millions of other South Africans in sending his condolences.

“Gwala was a formidable broadcaster who contributed immensely in facilitating and shaping the South African public discourse,” Pamla said.

Gwala, who died in a hospital in Johannesburg surrounded by his friends and family, founded the Change for Cancer programme to help people get treatment.

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