Veteran South African broadcaster Xola Ngcelwane, a key figure in the nation's early television news, has passed away at age 75. He died in East London, leaving a legacy in public broadcasting.
Xola Ngcelwane, a former journalist with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), died on December 5, 2025, in East London. The 75-year-old veteran broadcaster was remembered for his foundational role in South African television journalism.
Ngcelwane belonged to the inaugural cohort of television news journalists in the country, contributing to the establishment of broadcast news during its nascent stages. His work helped shape the landscape of public media in South Africa, where the SABC has long served as a primary source of information.
The announcement of his death came from SABC News, highlighting his enduring impact on the profession. While details surrounding his passing remain limited, Ngcelwane's career underscores the evolution of South African media from radio-dominated eras to the advent of television. Colleagues and the broader media community have yet to issue formal tributes, but his pioneering efforts continue to influence current broadcasters.