By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former minister of Basic Education Professor Sibusiso Mandlenkosi Emmanuel Bhengu has died aged 90, his family confirmed.
In a short statement on social media, family spokesperson, Dr Sithembiso Bhengu, confirmed that Bhengu died in his sleep at home on Monday.
“We will fondly remember him as a dear husband, father, uncle, grandfather, educator, former Minister of Education, and ambassador.
“Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. The family would appreciate that their privacy be respected at this difficult time, ” family spokersperson said.
Born on 8 May 1934 in Kranskop, Natal, Bengu’s career in education began in 1952. He founded Dlangezwa High School near Empangeni in 1969, serving as principal until 1976.
He completed a PhD in political sciences at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva in 1974, and in 1977 he was appointed as a professor at the University of Zululand.
He left South Africa in 1978 to serve as the Secretary for Research and Social Action for the Lutheran World Foundation and upon his return was appointed to the role of Vice-Chancellor of Fort Hare University
Bengu was appointed Minister of Education in 1994 under late former President Nelson Mandela’s leadership. In 1999 he was appointed as the South African Ambassador to Germany.