South Africans have rallied around the 702 Breakfast Show presenter since he revealed his advanced colon cancer diagnosis.
HE’S one of radio’s most popular guys, a true gentleman of the airwaves – silky-voiced, urbane, amusing and smart. So listeners to 702 were disappointed when Breakfast Show anchor Xolani Gwala announced he was embarking on a period of radio silence while he dealt with a serious health issue.
Fans wondered what was going on. Then came the devastating announcement: he has cancer. And it’s bad.
In an emotionally charged broadcast on 702, Xolani (42) opened up to colleague Stephen Grootes and discussed the gruelling road ahead.
“Under the circumstances I’m okay, but obviously I’m living with something inside and it’s massive,” Xolani says matter-of-factly.
“After thorough investigations, they found I have colon cancer, which is advanced – quite advanced.”
Xolani was hesitant at first to talk about what was going on.
“Currently, I am facing a medical challenge,” is all he said a few weeks ago when he announced he would be off air for a while. “The medical team is still examining the nature of this medical challenge and the process is underway. So when we are all clear about what it is, I’ll come back and let you know . . . But it’s a serious medical challenge.”
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