Former Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe has died at the age of 52, his family has confirmed, prompting an outpouring of condolences from South Africa‘s media and communications community.
Phasiwe reportedly suffered a seizure before his death. His family said he had experienced seizures for several years.
At the time of his death, he was serving as head of corporate affairs and communications at Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).
SANEF Pays Tribute to Respected Professional
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) said it was deeply saddened by Phasiwe’s death, describing him as a respected journalist and communications specialist who made significant contributions across the media and public sectors.
SANEF executive director Reggy Moalusi said Phasiwe had served the country in several capacities throughout a career spanning journalism and corporate communications.
Moalusi described his passing as the loss of a professional who had made a meaningful contribution to the institutions and industries in which he worked.
Phasiwe Became a Familiar Face During Eskom Crisis
Phasiwe became particularly well known to South Africans during his years at Eskom, when the power utility faced some of the most difficult periods in its history.
He joined Eskom’s media desk in 2008 before progressing to deputy spokesperson and eventually becoming the utility’s national spokesperson in 2015.
He remained in that position until his resignation in 2019.
He Faced Tough Questions During Load Shedding
His time as Eskom’s spokesperson coincided with widespread load shedding, financial difficulties, ageing infrastructure and intense public scrutiny of the utility’s management and governance.
As the public demanded explanations for electricity shortages and concerns over the stability of the national grid grew, Phasiwe regularly appeared before the media to communicate Eskom’s position.
His role placed him at the centre of some of the country’s most closely watched energy-related developments.
A Career That Started in Journalism
Long before becoming a prominent corporate communications figure, Phasiwe worked as a financial journalist.
His journalism career included positions at Business Day and Business Report, where he developed expertise in financial and business reporting.
He later moved into senior communications roles at several public institutions and organisations, including the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Office of the Public Protector.
More Than Two Decades of Experience
The Office of the Public Protector appointed Phasiwe as its spokesperson in May 2024.
At the time, the institution highlighted his more than two decades of experience in financial journalism and corporate communications across both the public and private sectors.
He subsequently joined ATNS, where he took responsibility for corporate affairs and communications and remained in that role until his death.
Tributes Reflect His Industry Impact
The African Media & Communication Forum also paid tribute to Phasiwe, recognising his contribution to journalism and communications in South Africa and across the continent.
The tributes have highlighted a career that crossed several important areas of public life, from financial journalism to communications roles within major state institutions.
His professional experience made him a familiar figure to journalists, public officials and communications professionals.
Funeral Arrangements Announced
Phasiwe’s funeral is expected to be held at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, on Saturday.
His death has left colleagues and members of the wider media and communications sector mourning a figure whose career spanned more than two decades and included some of South Africa’s most challenging public and corporate environments.
