The family of the late first Education Minister in democratic South Africa, Prof. Sibusiso Bengu, has described him as a person who gave wise counsel.
He died at his home in Mtunzini on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast last night at the age of 90.
Bengu became a Professor at the University of Zululand in 1977.
He served as Education Minister from 1994 and 1999, after which he became South Africa’s ambassador to Germany until his retirement from politics in 2003.
Bengu is survived by his wife Funeka, four daughters and a son.
His cousin Sithembiso says, “He was probably the most happiest when the family was together, and you will always see him with almost one of the broadest smiles. So family was really, really at the centre of his attention, but also of what evoked, I think, joy and happiness in him. And to see the children and the grandchildren. And in that kind of atmosphere he was very jovial.”
“Professor Bengu passed away last night in his sleep with the family. He was quite a well-known personality really, an educator. And him being one of the most principled educators to come from KwaZulu-Natal, from the KZN province, back in the days both in KwaDlangezwa High School, but also as Dean of Students at the University of Zululand,” he adds.
Sibusiso Bengu’s family statement:
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