Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications has sent its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of veteran broadcaster Xolani Gwala who passed away on Friday morning. Gwala died in Johannesburg at the age of 44 after losing his battle with colon cancer.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Boyce Maneli, has described Gwala as an impeccable broadcaster who educated many South Africans.

“Although we are devastated by his untimely passing, we derive solace in the knowledge that, like a true soldier, Mr Gwala died with his boots on. To him, broadcasting was a calling and he continued with his passion at Radio 702, despite ill health.”

 

The Nelson Mandela Foundation also sent its condolences to Gwala’s family.  The foundation’s Sello Hatang says the country can learn a lot from him.

“A professional of note,  he was such a fair person. He gave everybody an opportunity to speak. He listened. If there’s one thing we can learn as a nation is that we should be able to listen to one another.”

Meanwhile, the community of Novuka in Impendle outside Pietermaritzburg, where Gwala was born, has described him as a role model to young people.

Residents of Impendle say Gwala had a passion for education and encouraged young people to study.