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
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