Nehawu spokesperson Khaya Xaba dies from COVID-19

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) is mourning the loss of its spokesperson, Khaya Xaba, who is believed to have succumbed to COVID-19-related complications.

Xaba died on Sunday morning, 13 June 2021, at a Cape Town hospital.

Nehawu has paid tribute to Xaba, describing him as an excellent communicator.

“The national union is deeply saddened by his death and conveys its deep and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and comrades in the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM). We wish his family strength and courage in this period of dealing with this dark hour,” the union said.

“When members and workers were losing their lives due to the pandemic, it was Comrade Xaba through the union that was in the forefront in communicating and exposing the deteriorating conditions workers had to endure”

“Equally when the government had embarked on an agenda of weakening collective bargaining and reversing the gains and rights of workers, Cde Xaba spent his time articulating our positions and championed the interest of workers using his craft as a highly skilled and excellent communicator.”

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu)

Xaba joined Nehawu in 2016 as a media liaison officer coming from the ranks of the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA). Nehawu said he was then promoted to being its spokesperson because of his dedication, commitment and hard-work.

“Cde. Xaba served in different structures of the Young Communist League (YCLSA) in Gauteng. He served as a District Executive Committee Member of the Young Communist League of South African Communist Party (YCLSA) in the Oupa Phasha District in Gauteng and was also elected as a Provincial Executive Committee Member of YCLSA Gauteng Province”

Journalists pay tribute to Khaya Xaba

The media fraternity has reacted to Khaya Xaba’s passing, with many journalism remembering him for his humility.

Khaya Xaba I just can’t believe it!
May you rest in power.
You fought so hard. You wanted to get better.
Condolences to his family and loved ones. #KhayaXaba

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) June 13, 2021

Nehawu mourns the passing of its national spokesperson, Khaya Xaba. I loved your heart Comrade Xaba, you contributed a lot to media industry and fighting for the rights of workers in SA #KhayaXaba pic.twitter.com/F1aCIdo8oV

— Thuso Mokoena (@thuso_mokoena) June 13, 2021

Khaya Xaba was a prolific communicator; witty and smart. What has always stayed with me was his unassuming nature, his friendliness. My heart goes out to his friends, colleagues, and loved ones. A mowa wa gagwe o robale ka kagiso

— Masechaba Sefularo (@Mase_Sefularo) June 13, 2021