By Johnathan Paoli
Leaders, activists and stalwarts gathered to honour the life and legacy of Prof. Sibusiso Bengu, the country’s first minister of education in a democratic government, during an official Category 2 funeral held at the University of Zululand.
The ceremony marked a heartfelt farewell to a visionary leader whose transformative contributions to education reshaped the nation.
Bengu, who passed away in December at the age of 90, served as education minister under president Nelson Mandela from 1994, a period of immense transformation for South Africa.
His work dismantled the apartheid-era education system and laid the foundation for a unified and inclusive framework.
Speakers throughout the ceremony, including Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Blade Nzimande, KwaZulu-Natal premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, and former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, emphasised Bengu’s commitment to education, equity and social justice.
Thami Mseleku, a former director of education, outlined Bengu’s transformative leadership and highlighted his ability to engage stakeholders and build consensus during a challenging period.
Mkhize described him as a proponent of true freedom through the decolonisation of the mind.
Bengu’s contributions extended internationally, as noted by former International Relations and Cooperation minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who commended his work in strengthening South Africa’s global relationships and bilateral agreements with Germany while he was am ambassador.
The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes executive director Vasu Gounden called Bengu a statesman of the human spirit, who believed in dialogue and collaboration.
He urged attendees to view Bengu’s legacy as a call to action.
“His vision for inclusive education and unity remains a beacon of hope,” Gounden said.
The ceremony also included tributes to Bengu’s academic and political accomplishments, recognising his excellence in education, history and political science.
His daughter, Bongi Bengu, delivered the obituary, celebrating a life dedicated to transforming South African society.
As South Africa reflected on Bengu’s passing, leaders and educators vowed to uphold his values, with Nzimande summing up the collective sentiment.
“The best way to honour him is to honour teachers and education. Teaching is the noblest of all professions,” he said.
He said Bengu’s legacy continues to inspire the nation, reminding South Africans of the enduring power of education to drive equality, freedom and progress.
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