Khulu Phasiwe, whose full name was Khulu John Bolekwa Phasiwe, was a prominent South African journalist and corporate communications specialist. He became widely recognised for his work as the national spokesperson for Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity utility, during a period marked by widespread load shedding and intense public scrutiny of the country’s electricity supply.
Phasiwe built a career spanning more than two decades in financial journalism, corporate communications and public-sector relations. Beyond Eskom, he worked with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, the Office of the Public Protector and Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).
In October 2026, news of his death at the age of 52 brought renewed attention to his professional achievements. His colleagues and industry organisations remembered him as a dedicated communicator who valued accuracy, professionalism and respectful engagement with journalists.
Khulu Phasiwe Early Life and Background
Khulu Phasiwe was South African and developed an interest in journalism and public communication early in his professional life. Although he eventually became a familiar public figure during South Africa’s electricity crisis, he initially established himself in financial journalism, reporting on business, energy and economic affairs.
His early professional development coincided with a period when South African journalism was undergoing significant changes. Reporting on major companies, government institutions and the energy sector required a strong understanding of financial information and public policy. These experiences helped prepare him for the demanding communications positions he would occupy later in his career.
Detailed public information about his childhood, exact birthplace, parents and siblings remains limited. Consequently, these aspects of his early life should not be presented as established facts without additional reliable sources.
Khulu Phasiwe Education and Qualifications
Khulu Phasiwe studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, in Johannesburg. His university years were an important part of his professional development and helped establish connections with people who later worked alongside him in journalism and communications.
Reports about his career identify him as a holder of an honours degree in publishing studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. This qualification complemented his work in journalism, media relations and institutional communication.
While at university, Phasiwe was involved in student journalism. His experiences in the student media environment helped him develop the reporting and writing skills that became central to his professional identity. In 2001, he was selected for the Business Day–Financial Mail financial journalism programme, which further developed his expertise in business reporting.
Career and Professional Achievements
Khulu Phasiwe began his career as a financial journalist, working for publications including Business Report and Business Day. He developed experience covering business and energy-related issues, establishing a professional foundation that later proved valuable when he moved into corporate communications.
He joined Eskom’s media department in 2008 and subsequently served as deputy spokesperson. In September 2015, he became the utility’s national spokesperson. This position placed him at the centre of public communication during South Africa’s electricity crisis, when power cuts, generating-unit failures and questions about Eskom’s management attracted widespread attention.
Phasiwe was frequently called upon to explain complicated operational developments to journalists and the public. His role required him to communicate information during emergencies, respond to difficult questions and represent an institution facing considerable criticism. He left Eskom in 2019 after years of service, explaining that he needed time to rest and consider his next professional steps.
After leaving Eskom, he continued working in communications. His career included a senior communications role at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, where he helped communicate the organisation’s scientific work and public activities.
In May 2024, he became spokesperson for the Office of the Public Protector of South Africa. In July 2026, he moved to Air Traffic and Navigation Services as head of corporate affairs and communications. This was his final publicly reported professional position before his death in October 2026.
Khulu Phasiwe Personal Life and Family
Khulu Phasiwe maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public-facing career. While journalists and members of the public regularly encountered him through his professional responsibilities, he generally kept the focus on his work rather than on his private affairs.
He was married to a woman named Dudu, who was mentioned in tributes following his death. Accounts from friends recalled his wedding and described him as a warm, committed friend who valued important personal relationships. His family, friends and professional colleagues expressed grief following the announcement of his passing.
Beyond these publicly reported details, information about his children, other relatives and wider family circumstances is limited. Such details should not be assumed or invented merely to make a biography appear more complete.
Khulu Phasiwe Age, Nationality and Physical Appearance
Khulu Phasiwe was 52 years old when he died in October 2026. He was South African by nationality and was professionally associated with major media organisations and public institutions in the country.
He was recognised publicly through interviews, media briefings and official communications during his time at Eskom and other institutions. However, reliable information establishing his exact height and other precise physical measurements has not been widely documented.
His public image was closely connected to his professional role as a spokesperson. Colleagues and journalists frequently described him in terms of his calm manner, humility, attention to detail and willingness to respond to questions, qualities that became important parts of his professional reputation.
Religion
Khulu Phasiwe’s religious affiliation has not been reliably established in the available biographical reporting. Although accounts of his life include references to faith, these are not sufficient to confirm a specific religious denomination. His religion should therefore be treated as publicly unconfirmed rather than stated as a definite fact.
Death and Latest News in 2026
The most significant recent development in Khulu Phasiwe’s biography is his death at the age of 52. News organisations reported his passing on 6 October 2026, with reports indicating that he died following a seizure. His family confirmed the news, and accounts stated that he had experienced seizures for several years.
There are differences in some reports about whether his death occurred on Sunday, 4 October, or Monday, 5 October 2026. The reports agree that his death occurred shortly before the public announcement on 6 October.
At the time of his death, Phasiwe was serving as head of corporate affairs and communications at Air Traffic and Navigation Services. He had taken up the position only a few months earlier, making his passing particularly sudden for colleagues who had recently welcomed him to the organisation.
Tributes came from across South Africa’s media and communications community. The African Media and Communication Forum recognised his contribution to the communications sector in Africa. Other tributes recalled his work at Eskom, where he had become a familiar voice during the electricity crisis, and praised his professional conduct and respectful relationships with journalists.
Social Media Presence
Khulu Phasiwe maintained a public profile connected to his communications career, and photographs from his professional life have appeared in news coverage and online tributes. His name was also associated with social media references during his time as Eskom spokesperson.
However, his current or former official Instagram handle has not been reliably verified in the sources reviewed for this update. Readers should avoid attributing an account to him without confirmation, particularly following his death, when unofficial tribute pages and impersonation accounts may appear.
Khulu Phasiwe Net Worth
Khulu Phasiwe’s exact net worth was not publicly confirmed by reliable financial sources before his death. There is insufficient verified information about his assets, investments, property holdings, savings or other private financial interests to calculate an accurate figure.
His long career in financial journalism and senior corporate communications positions suggests that he earned a professional income over many years. His work included senior roles at Eskom, the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, the Office of the Public Protector and Air Traffic and Navigation Services.
Nevertheless, salary estimates alone cannot establish personal wealth. Without verified information about his earnings and financial commitments, assigning him a specific net worth in South African rand or US dollars would be speculative. Any figure circulating online should therefore be treated cautiously unless supported by credible evidence.
Legacy and Contributions
Khulu Phasiwe’s legacy is closely associated with his work as a journalist and corporate communications specialist. He demonstrated how reporting experience could inform public communication, particularly when organisations were facing difficult questions and the public needed clear explanations.
His years at Eskom made him recognisable to many South Africans. During periods of load shedding, he was frequently called upon to communicate developments involving electricity generation and supply. His willingness to engage with journalists, even during challenging circumstances, became an important part of how colleagues remembered him.
His career also extended beyond the electricity sector. His work at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, the Office of the Public Protector and Air Traffic and Navigation Services demonstrated his involvement in communicating the activities of several major South African institutions.
Following his death in October 2026, tributes highlighted his professionalism, humility and commitment to responsible communication. His career remains an example of the important role that experienced journalists and communicators play in helping the public understand complex institutional issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Khulu Phasiwe
Who was Khulu Phasiwe?
Khulu Phasiwe was a South African journalist and corporate communications specialist best known for serving as Eskom’s national spokesperson during the country’s electricity crisis.
What was Khulu Phasiwe’s full name?
His full name was Khulu John Bolekwa Phasiwe.
How old was Khulu Phasiwe when he died?
He was 52 years old when he died in October 2026.
When did Khulu Phasiwe die?
His death was publicly reported on 6 October 2026. Some reports place his death on 4 October, while others indicate 5 October.
What was the cause of Khulu Phasiwe’s death?
Reports stated that he died following a seizure. His family reportedly indicated that he had experienced seizures for several years.
Who was Khulu Phasiwe’s wife?
His wife was named Dudu, according to published tributes and obituary reporting.
Where did Khulu Phasiwe study?
He studied at the University of the Witwatersrand and held an honours degree in publishing studies.
What was Khulu Phasiwe known for?
He was particularly known for his work as Eskom’s national spokesperson from 2015 until his departure in 2019. He later held communications positions at other South African institutions.
What was Khulu Phasiwe’s net worth?
His net worth was not publicly verified. Any precise figure presented without reliable financial evidence should be treated as an estimate rather than an established fact.
What was Khulu Phasiwe’s last job?
His final publicly reported position was head of corporate affairs and communications at Air Traffic and Navigation Services, a role he began in July 2026.
Conclusion
Khulu Phasiwe was an influential figure in South African journalism and corporate communications whose career spanned more than 20 years. From financial reporting to representing Eskom during the load-shedding crisis, he developed a reputation for professionalism, composure and engagement with the media.
His later work with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, the Office of the Public Protector and Air Traffic and Navigation Services further demonstrated the breadth of his experience. His death at 52 in October 2026 prompted tributes from colleagues and professional organisations that recognised his contribution to journalism and public communication.
Although some details about his private life and finances remain unavailable, his professional record provides a substantial account of his contribution to South African public life. His legacy rests on the institutions he served, the colleagues he supported and the role he played in communicating complex issues to the public.