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Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Professor Sibusiso Bengu, South Africa’s first minister of education in the democratic era.
Bengu, who was 90 years old, passed away recently.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ramaphosa extended condolences to Bengu’s wife, Mama Funeka, and his family, describing him as a “pioneering leader” of South Africa’s democratic dispensation.
“Prof Bengu was a pioneering leader of our democratic dispensation and administration who led the transformation of education in a democratic Government of National Unity where deep divisions existed about how far this transformation should go,” Ramaphosa said.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Prof Sibusiso Bengu, the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, who has passed away at the age of 90.
— The Presidency (@PresidencyZA) January 2, 2025
He credited Bengu’s leadership with the development and implementation of the Education Act, a landmark piece of legislation that laid the foundation for equality in education and dismantled the injustices of apartheid-era schooling.
“The Education Act formulated under Prof Bengu’s leadership was a cornerstone of our liberation and unleashed the human potential of all South Africans,” the President noted.
Bengu also served as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003, further contributing to the nation’s development through diplomacy.
His legacy endures through initiatives such as the Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme, which supports historically disadvantaged higher education institutions.
“Today we are grateful for Prof Bengu’s diverse contributions to our development, which will light our way forward. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa concluded.
Bengu’s passing marks the loss of a statesman and scholar whose impact on education and social justice continues to resonate in South Africa.
Tributes Pour In on Social Media
Following the announcement of Prof Bengu’s passing, tributes have flooded social media, highlighting his immense contributions to education and South Africa’s democratic progress.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande is saddened by the passing of Prof Sibusiso Bengu. “I worked with Prof Bengu in a number of capacities. My earliest interaction with him was in the mid-90s, when I was part of the ANC’s negotiating team during… pic.twitter.com/q3oOf8KmbV
— DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE,TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION (@dstigovza) January 2, 2025
From four race based education departments to a single education department symbolises the solid foundation laid by Prof. Sbu Bhengu, the first post apartheid Education Minister! Rest in peace Prof, we will definitely conclude the task! pic.twitter.com/Uv3LEAjSx0
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) December 31, 2024
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Picture: X/@Lesufi
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