REST IN PEACE "BOSS"
by Nande Fayo


The voice that has been synonymous with the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development for the past 20 years has been silenced.

Gcobani Maswana (52), a seasoned communications practitioner, was the Head of the communication division at the provincial Social Development department in Eastern Cape. He had been with the department for 20 years. He was one of the longest-serving government communicators in the province who has served the people of the Eastern Cape with great humility and diligence.
The University of Fort Hare graduate held a Masters degree in Communication and distinguished himself as one of the Eastern Cape finest communicators. His passing was a monumental loss because death not only robbed the department of a venerable man, but has silenced the voice and spirit of an astute communicator whose skills and capacity will be sorely missed. He stared working for the department in 2000 and climbed his way up till he was appointed  the Head of Communication in 2006. Prior to working for the department, Maswana worked for Delta Motor Corporation, currently known as General Motors where he was a communication officer  and contributed immensely to the company

He was a man that held his colleauges to the highest standard with warmth, compassion and humanity. To media houses that he interacted with, he knew how to influence opinion, injecting honesty and intergrity in his message, believing whole-heartedly in what he was communicating on behalf of the Department.

The Eastern cape MEC for Social Development Siphokazi Lusithi described his passing is an immense blow to the department, the Eastern Cape provincial government, and the community of the Eastern Cape. She said the department has not just lost a colleague but a patriot as he dedicated his life to serving the poor and the vulnerable.

“We admire Gcobani’s sense of compassion, humility and dedication as he selflessly volunteered his services for the betterment of the most vulnerable”, said Lusithi. We wish to take this time and pass our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. We hope his family will find comfort in knowing that the whole province dips its banner in mourning of this extraordinary servant of the people of the Eastern Cape. Liyinene elithi “isitya esihle asidleli”.