Veteran journalist Phindile Xaba loses battle with cancer
Phindile Xaba (53) lost her battle with cancer at her home in Diepkloof, Soweto on May 7. Photo: Twitter
NEWS
“Someone who paved the way for young female journalists, a beautiful, multi-talented woman and an accomplished media professional with a beautiful smile.”
These are just some of the ways South Africans and other media professionals described Phindile Xaba, who died on Saturday.
Devastated to hear about #PhindileXaba who passed. A beautiful, multi-talented woman, an accomplished #media professional with a beautiful smile and respect for everyone she met. It was a pleasure to know you, Phindile. We never got to talk about your next degree?? pic.twitter.com/3f4GMdV8RS
— Dinesh Balliah (@DineshBalliah) May 8, 2022
Xaba (53) lost her battle with cancer at her home in Diepkloof, Soweto on May 7.
In a statement, the family of the famous journalist said they were devastated by her death, and family spokesman Mpho Mothapo added that those close to them were “heartened by the outpouring of messages of support from her friends. and industry colleagues”.
One of the women in the industry who paved the way for young female journalists like us has sadly passed away, Phindile “Maphindisi” Xaba. Thanks for inspiring us. Thank you mbokodo for validating and supporting our contribution. Lala ngo xolo sis Maphindisi.?????? https://t.co/GL5fKyBjbQ
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) May 8, 2022
Xaba, a former editor of Sowetan Women, has contributed extensively to magazine and newspaper publications including True Love, City Press, St. Petersburg Times (USA), The Journalist and The New Age. At the time of her death, she was part of the communications team in the office of Deputy Minister of Civil Service and Administration, Chana Pilane-Majake.
She also helped create a healing platform for women in her role as editor of REAL.
Speaking to City Press, Mothapo said Xaba, who is survived by “one child”, was diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
Motapo said:
She then started going for medical checkups and necessary treatment, and in 2021 she received an impeccable bill of health. Later, it was revealed that her internal organs had been affected and that what she was previously suffering from had stretched and damaged her internal organs.
After beginning her career in print at the age of 17, the Wits University graduate then explored the television industry where she worked as a television production manager, screenwriter, publicist, producer/director , language consultant/trainer and researcher, with some of her work being featured on SABC and M-Net.
Mothapo said details of Xaba’s funeral would be revealed in due course.
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