Tributes pour in for broadcaster Xolani Gwala
Tributes poured in for veteran broadcaster Xolani Gwala, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 44.
Gwala, who had been battling colon cancer for the past two years, passed away in the early hours of Friday morning.
The news of Gwala's death was broken by the family spokesperson Matsi Modise.
ALSO READ: Veteran broadcaster Xolani Gwala dies
The government, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and the African National Congress (ANC) all paid tribute to the broadcaster and journalist.
"Whose work ethic and command earned him respect in the industry. We will surely miss him on the radio waves,” government said on Twitter.
We send our condolences to the friends and family of the seasoned broadcaster Xolani Gwala whose work ethic and command earned him respect in the industry. We will surely miss him on the radio waves. #RIPXolaniGwala pic.twitter.com/WxsRr3urM9
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) November 1, 2019
The ANC paid tribute to Gwala as "of one of the foremost and outstanding broadcast journalists".
The governing party's spokesperson Pule Mabe says Gwala death has robbed media industry of one of its most professional, ethical and committed workers.
Journalists were also quick to share their experiences and lessons learnt from Gwala.
#RIP friend, mentor, brother #XolaniGwala. We know how difficult this was for you and your family. You fought a good fight. ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— Clement Manyathela (@TheRealClementM) November 1, 2019
Strength to you @TheRealClementM and thank you for carrying the show so brilliantly. I'm a huge supporter of your work. May you continue to rise. #BlackExcellence
— African Child (@ZikhonaTshona) November 1, 2019
#RIpXolaniGwala#XolaniGwala
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) November 1, 2019
Rest Easy Bra G!
Death be not proud! pic.twitter.com/m5MnzNdT9a
Brave. Smart. Kind. Charming. Warm. Funny. What a man. He leaves a chasm in all of our lives. Tribute for the remarkable #XolaniGwala on @Radio702 right now.
— Bruce Whitfield (@brucebusiness) November 1, 2019
702 pays tribute to Xolani Gwala, a radio braodcaster, husband, father and friend. #RIPXolaniGwala https://t.co/JGkB3f2Go4
— 702 (@Radio702) November 1, 2019
My dad and I were obsessed with Xolani Gwala ??. Later on when I became a journalist he was the standard (still is) . When I met him a few years back for the first time I was floored by his humility & humor, couldn't wait to tell my dad. Lala ngoxolo Mphephethwa ?? pic.twitter.com/Sr8qP31gbs
— S'thembile Cele (@SthembileCel) November 1, 2019
A very powerful story of uBaba #XolaniGwala on Radio702. A lesson for us all...”be grateful” #RIPXolaniGwala pic.twitter.com/btO48ngN0n
— Lindokuhle Xulu (@LindokuhlXulu1) November 1, 2019
[PODCAST] This radio obituary documenting Xolani Gwala's career and life is so sad, but beautiful, and deeply moving. #RIPXolaniGwala @Radio702 ---> https://t.co/dHmC8p8Tbw
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) November 1, 2019
Same with my dad. When I went to work at the SABC and bumped into Mr Gwala, called my dad immediately. From then on every time I called my dad he would asked after Mr Gwala https://t.co/nAGIL4YCZN
— Vauldi Carelse (@vauldicarelse) November 1, 2019
When he came back after some time off, we had such hope
— Cindy Poluta (@CindyPoluta) November 1, 2019
Today my heart is so shattered ??
Always smiling. Always laughing - even when he started fighting the battle and didn't tell any of us.
We missed you every day and will always miss you
Hamba Kahle #RIPXolaniGwala@Radio702 pic.twitter.com/n0tmhtWDd5
This all ends so quickly...??
— Iman Rappetti (@imanrappetti) November 1, 2019
Much love to all who loved XG. I'll keep your strong voice, brilliant smile in a special place forever. I can't believe your gallant fight ends today. #RIPXolaniGwala pic.twitter.com/TmfrXotbY7
South Africa has lost an exceptional son. I’m going to miss your humility, your infectious laugh, generosity & your passion. You taught me to celebrate life. It was privilege to have known you XG. I’m broken, my heart is shattered. Condolences to the Gwala family. #RipXolaniGwala
— Aki Anastasiou (@AkiAnastasiou) November 1, 2019
My dearest colleague and friend. Such a brave fight you put up. Thank you for making me a more confident and better journalist. PM Live were the glory days. I will miss you dear mphephethwa #RIPXolaniGwala pic.twitter.com/wmtZO5DfAB
— Krivani Pillay (@krivpillay) November 1, 2019