Xolani Gwala: Celebrated media personality's battle with cancer and his inspiring comeback

Xolani Gwala was a respected South African broadcaster whose career was marked by his powerful voice and fearless journalism. In 2017, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. His battle took him away from the airwaves, but he later returned to radio while in remission. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the disease at the age of 44.

Key takeaways

• Xolani Gwala was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in September 2017.
• He underwent surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy during his cancer journey.
• Doctors declared him in remission in July 2018.
• Gwala returned to the radio in August 2018 after nearly a year away.
• He died on November 1, 2019, aged 44, following his battle with cancer.

Profile summary

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Xolani Gwala's bio (Umlando ka Xolani Gwala)

Xolani Gwala was a celebrated South African broadcaster and journalist known for his work in radio and television. He began his broadcasting career in the 1990s and later became a familiar voice on Radio 702, where he covered news and current affairs. He also worked with the SABC and presented several television and radio programmes during his career.

In 2017, Gwala was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and temporarily stepped away from broadcasting for treatment. After being declared in remission in July 2018, he made an emotional return to radio the following month. Gwala died on November 1, 2019, aged 44, leaving behind a lasting legacy in South African broadcasting.

Xolani Gwala's battle with cancer and his inspiring comeback

Xolani Gwala was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on September 4, 2017, after experiencing illness and weight loss following his return from the London Marathon. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and by July 4, 2018, he was officially reported to be in remission.

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On August 2, 2018, Gwala made his emotional return to the 702 airwaves after nearly a year away from radio. He described the experience as difficult but expressed gratitude for his family, doctors and supporters.

Sadly, his comeback was followed by another battle with the disease, and Xolani Gwala died on November 1, 2019, aged 44. His courage throughout his cancer journey and his return to broadcasting remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Xolani Gwala's cancer journey

Xolani Gwala’s cancer journey began in September 2017, when doctors diagnosed him with stage 4 colon cancer after he developed a persistent fever. The cancer had already spread to his liver, making the diagnosis particularly serious. Gwala publicly confirmed his diagnosis on September 29, 2017, and stepped away from broadcasting to focus on treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment

Gwala underwent several operations, including surgery to remove the tumour in his colon and procedures to treat the cancer in his liver. His treatment also involved six cycles of chemotherapy, which he later described as extremely difficult. He spent almost a year undergoing treatment and recovery, but remained determined to overcome the disease.

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Remission in 2018

On July 4, 2018, it was announced that Gwala was officially in remission and recovering at home after his latest operation. He returned to the airwaves on August 2, 2018, nearly a year after leaving radio to concentrate on his health. During his comeback, he spoke openly about the difficult experience and expressed gratitude for his family, friends and medical team.

Xolani Gwala qualifications and family background

The late journalist attended St. Mary's Secondary School, where he completed his Grade 12 education. He went on to study a diploma in Public Relations Management or Media Studies at Natal Technikon, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1993. He graduated with his diploma in 1995.

Family

Xolani Gwala 702 is the eldest child in a family of five children. He has three brothers and one sister. Both his parents are alive and are happily married. As a young boy, the media personality did not dream of a career in media. Fate would lead him there anyway, and today, he loves and enjoys his work in the industry.

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Xolani Gwala's career timeline

Xolani Gwala built a broadcasting career spanning more than two decades, working across radio and television in South Africa and abroad.

• Early 1990s: Gwala began his journalism career at the SABC in KwaZulu-Natal while studying at Natal Technikon. He initially worked as a freelance bulletin producer and presenter at Radio Zulu (Ukhozi FM) before joining the permanent team.
• Mid-1990s: He moved to P4 Radio in KwaZulu-Natal, further developing his skills as a broadcaster and journalist.
• 2000: Gwala joined Radio 702 as a reporter in Johannesburg, beginning a long association with the station.
• 2002: He became the host of Asikhulume (Let's Talk) on SABC1, expanding his career into television.
• 2000s: Gwala worked across several SABC platforms, including SAFM's current-affairs programming, News Hour and SABC Africa, serving as a reporter, presenter and news anchor.
• Around 2009: He was appointed news editor at a radio station in Ramallah, giving him international broadcasting experience.
• 2015: Gwala was still a prominent Radio 702 broadcaster, where he continued presenting and conducting interviews.
• January 2017: He reached a major career milestone when he became the 702 Breakfast Show host, replacing veteran presenter John Robbie.
• September 2017: Gwala announced that he had been diagnosed with advanced colon cancer and temporarily stepped away from broadcasting to undergo treatment.
• August 2018: After treatment, Gwala made his return to the airwaves, marking an emotional comeback following his cancer battle.
• November 1, 2019: Gwala died at the age of 44 after his battle with cancer. At the time, he was a senior host at Talk Radio 702.

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Awards and recognitions

Xolani is recognised as one of the best and most influential male media personalities in contemporary South Africa. The recognitions and awards that he has earned from his career include;

• In 2004, he was nominated for the Best Male Programme Presenter award for his role in Asikhulume. The show was also nominated for Best Talk Show.
• In 2009, he was recognised in the list of top 300 Young South African media workers by Mail and Guardian.
• Asikhulume was recognised as second out of the top five talk shows in South Africa. It ranked 755th out of all the 2127 shows in the country. The show has over 1 million viewers.
• His shows, Asikhulume and PM Live, were recognised as engaging and the best places to learn about politics and current affairs in South Africa and across the world.

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Marriage, income and fatherhood

Xolani Gwala married former Miss South Africa and investment banker Peggy-Sue Khumalo in 2015. Xolani Gwala's wife's pics with her family appeared in media coverage of Gwala’s memorial and funeral services in November 2019.

Xolani and Khumalo had two daughters together, while Gwala also had two daughters from previous relationships, making him a father of four.

Children

Gwala was a father of four daughters, including two children he had with Khumalo. The Xolani Gwala children's names have not all been consistently reported by reliable public sources, reflecting the family's preference for privacy. During his cancer treatment, Gwala often spoke about how his family and children gave him strength and motivation.

Xolani Gwala's death

Xolani Gwala died on November 1, 2019, at the age of 44, after a two-year battle with colon cancer. He had publicly revealed his stage 4 cancer diagnosis in September 2017 and underwent extensive treatment, including surgery and clinical treatment in Israel.

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Gwala's family announced his death in the early hours of November 1, describing his fight as courageous and inspiring. His death was widely mourned across South Africa, with colleagues and media organisations remembering him for his professionalism, distinctive voice and more than two decades in broadcasting.

His wife came out to announce his death and stated that the miracle that they had hoped for did not materialise. In the statement, she said,

We were hopeful, but always knew the gravity of the situation. From February to June this year, Xolani took part in a world-first clinical trial in Israel. His medical team has been amazing and we have enormous admiration for the work they are doing in advancing cancer treatment.

While the miracle did not materialise, these last few months have been precious, and we are eternally grateful that Xolani has been able to spend them with us as a family. This journey has made our family so much stronger and brought us ever closer together.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Xolani Gwala's date of birth? Xolani Gwala was born on 28 September 1975 and passed away on 1 November 2019 at the age of 44.
• When was Freddy Gwala born? Freddy Gwala was born on October 6, 1961, in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a famous musician known for creating the "Zumba" music style and the hit song "Amadamara"
• Which Radio 702 presenter has passed away? Several prominent voices associated with South Africa's Radio 702 have passed away over the years, most notably veteran talk radio pioneer John Berks, who died at age 80 on June 4, 2022, and beloved broadcaster Xolani Gwala, who died at age 44 on November 1, 2019.
• Can you provide a biography of Harry Gwala? Themba Harry Gwala (30 July 1920 – 20 June 1995), famously known as the "Lion of the Midlands," was a fearless South African anti-apartheid activist, trade unionist, and a prominent leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
• When did Xolani Gwala pass away? He passed away on November 1, 2019.

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Xolani Gwala’s return to broadcasting became an inspiring part of his cancer journey. He used his experience to raise awareness about cancer and encourage others to value early detection. Although he later died in 2019, his courage and contribution to South African media continue to be remembered.

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Source: Briefly News