By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The corporate communications and reputation management specialist Khulu Phasiwe has passed away at the age of 52, his family confirmed.
According to his family, Phasiwe died on Monday, 05 October 2026, following a seizure. He had battled seizures for several years.
He was serving as head of corporate affairs and communications at Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).
Phasiwe also served as Eskom national spokesperson from 2015 until his resignation in 2019, during the height of load shedding. He also served a short stint as spokesperson at the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) from May 1 2024.
The African Media & Communication Forum (AMCF) paid tribute to his contribution to the communications and media industry.
“We honour the life, legacy and invaluable contribution of Khulu Phasiwe to the media and communications sector in Africa,” the AMCF said in a statement.
Phasiwe career spanned over 20 years, transitioning from financial journalism into high-profile corporate communication roles across major state entities and the private sector.