Xolani Gwala, a fixture of South African broadcasting and a favourite of the public for over two decades, has passed away. He was 44.
Gwala – known to his fans as XG – died on Friday morning.
In September 2017, he revealed that he was suffering from cancer, which was at that stage ‘quite advanced’. He went off air to focus on battling the disease, returning for a while in 2018. He also sought treatment in Israel earlier this year.
Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Gwala began his media career reading the news on Ukhozi FM in Durban in the mid-1990s. He later worked at the SABC, where, among other things, he hosted the current affairs show Asikhulume. on SABC1. In the latter part of his career he was associated with the radio station 702, where he hosted The Xolani Gwala Show.
He was remembered by his colleagues and fans for his pleasant on-air personality, his politeness and his professionalism as a journalist. He also had an ‘infectious laugh’.
Gwala was married to former Miss South Africa and now banking executive Peggy Sue Khumalo, and they had three children.
Matsi Modise, speaking for the family, said: ‘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. Xolani was an inspiration and mentor to so many colleagues, friends and listeners over the years. We thank you for your heartfelt messages. These have meant so much to us.’