Khulu John Bolekwa Phasiwe, a highly respected journalist, communicator, and spokesperson, has passed away at the age of 52. He died on Sunday, 4 October, after suffering a seizure, which his family attributed to a long-standing health condition. Phasiwe was widely admired for his professionalism and integrity, particularly during his time at Eskom, where he became the definitive public voice of South Africa's electricity crisis.
Phasiwe's career began as a financial journalist, and he later transitioned into corporate communications. He joined Eskom's media department and became a senior communications adviser and then deputy spokesperson. In September 2015, he was appointed national spokesperson, a position he held for about four years. During this time, he handled complex operational matters with composure and candour, earning the trust of journalists and the public.
Phasiwe's colleagues and friends remembered him as a kind and professional individual who always made himself available to journalists trying to make sense of complex and rapidly changing developments. The National Press Club praised his helpful and measured manner, even under intense scrutiny. His friend, Rams Mabote, recalled Phasiwe as a young reporter on Business Report in the late 1990s, who was one of the few black journalists immersed in energy matters.
Phasiwe's tenure at Eskom was marked by significant challenges, including the utility's ageing power stations, inadequate maintenance, and severe financial strain. He had to address questions about the power system while it was becoming less reliable and represent an organisation whose credibility was diminishing. Despite the difficulties, Phasiwe remained calm, available, and exacting about facts.
In an interview with SABC News in 2019, Phasiwe candidly discussed the challenges he faced at Eskom, describing the work as "tantamount to being in a war zone." He attributed his ability to cope with the stress to "the grace of God." After resigning from Eskom in 2019, Phasiwe wanted to spend time with his family and consider his next steps.
Phasiwe's friends and colleagues remembered his kind and generous personality. Tlou Legodi recalled Phasiwe's wedding to Dudu, where he was "at his happiest," smiling and dancing in splendid Zulu attire. Pat Makape, a friend and fellow student at Wits, paid tribute to Phasiwe, calling him "my dear brother and comrade of over 30 years."
At the time of his passing, Phasiwe was head of corporate affairs and communications at the Air Traffic and Navigation Services, a position he had assumed just three months earlier. He is remembered for his dedication to his work and his commitment to respecting the public. Phasiwe's legacy as a trusted voice during South Africa's load shedding years will be deeply missed.
Key points
- Khulu Phasiwe, a respected journalist and spokesperson, died at 52.
- He was widely admired for his professionalism and integrity during his time at Eskom.
- Phasiwe handled complex operational matters with composure and candour, earning the trust of journalists and the public.
