At the beginning of 2017 he was preparing to run the London Marathon and a few months later it was confirmed Xolani Gwala had been diagnosed with cancer, sending shockwaves across Mzansi.
The popular talk radio presenter had been mysteriously missing from the airwaves and eventually broke his silence in a voice recording played on Talk Radio 702.
But despite the news, Xolani's fighting spirit emerged and he told Drum magazine he was determined to face the disease in the face.
"Family is at the centre of this entire thing. It's your family that makes you stay positive. I'm not ready to die yet," he said.
"After this I've learned you've got to raise awareness. I don't smoke. I don't drink. I live well. I eat well. My parents don't have it as far as I know... so the thing about cancer is that it can happen to anyone," he added.
He had a tumour removed and by the time the announcement e had already begun chemotherapy.
We hope 2018 is a year of better health.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 