Mourners gather to pay tribute to Xolani Gwala
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. Friends, family and fans have gathered at Grace House Family Church in Randburg on Thursday morning to celebrate the life of veteran broadcaster Xolani Gwala.
Gwala died last Friday after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
Today's memorial service marks one of several that has been held in the radio stalwart's honour.
On Wednesday those close to Gwala packed the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Rivonia for a day of emotionally-charged tributes.
It was a heartbreaking moment when one of Gwala's daughters grabbed the mic and expressed her love for her dad.
“I love you so much, you are my favourite," she said.
A family member also read out an emotional message from Gwala's other children.
“Dear daddy, we miss you and all our special time together. Our hearts are not well because every day we wake up, you are not with us. Even Simba, our little dog, is wondering where you are.”
Gwala will be laid to rest in his hometown of Impendle in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday after a funeral service.
Friends, family and members of the media gather at Grace House Family Church in Randburg, Johannesburg. They are here to honour and remember #XolaniGwala #XolaniGwalaMemorial pic.twitter.com/hQODiwAi8i
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) November 7, 2019
Mr X, XG, Mphephethwa, Bra X, Xolani was a journalist, a gentleman, a fierce proponent of democracy who will be dearly missed by many. #XolaniGwala #XolaniGwalaMemorial pic.twitter.com/Oe5lBSzNSG
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) November 7, 2019
Bongani Bingwa remembers first seeing #XolaniGwala on SABC 1’s Askhulume Let’s Talk. How he navigated issues and topics so diligently. “That’s why he is considered a giant of broadcasting.” pic.twitter.com/QGzKC96UE5
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) November 7, 2019
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.