By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) NEC member and Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu has described the late Professor Sibusiso Bhengu as a giant.
Bhengu died in December at the age of 90.
His memorial service has taken place at the Eshowe Town Hall in KwaZulu-Natal.
Bhengu’s legacy lies firmly in the education sector since 1966 when he taught at the Eshowe Teachers’ Training College.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Bhengu will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2, the Presidency said on Monday.
The funeral will be held at the University of Zululand on Friday, 10 January, with proceedings including ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.
Mchunu delivered a keynote address at Bhengu’s memorial service.
“Standing here, I am actually torn. Something in me says there is a funeral, and in your mind and heart, you mourn because it is painful from the time of the passing, and this pain attacked many of us until today, “Mchunu said.
“But on the other hand, there is an element of celebration, the need to celebrate the life of Professor Sibusiso Mandlenkosi Emmanuel Bhengu. So, you do not know how to keep the balance because both aspects are true.”
Mchunu described Bhengu as “a profound intellect born to live in education”.
“He was not a man of many words but once he started talking to you, you were bound to attend to what he was saying until he finished. Everything he said made sense.” Mchunu said.
“His life’s work stands a testament to his deep commitment to social transformation, education and upliftment of the people of South Africa.”
Born in Kranskop, Natal, Bhengu began his teaching career in 1952 and went on to establish Dlangezwa High School in 1969, where he served as principal until 1976. He later became dean of students at the University of Zululand before leaving South Africa in 1978. His academic accomplishments included a PhD in political science from the University of Geneva, and in 1991 he made history as the first black vice-chancellor of Fort Hare University – a transformative moment in South African higher education.
Although his first political home was the Inkatha Freedom Party, where he served as secretary-general, ideological differences with the late IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi ultimately led to his departure. He later aligned himself with the ANC.
In 1994, President Nelson Mandela appointed Bhengu as South Africa’s first minister of education in the democratic era. He played a key role in merging 17 fragmented education departments into a unified system and implemented controversial early reforms to South Africa’s education policy, including a nationwide initiative to redeploy teachers and a transition to outcome-based education through Curriculum 2005, with the aim of overhauling the education system. However, it faced significant backlash, with teachers and opposition parties voicing strong criticism, prompting a review of the plan.
After the 1999 election he served as ambassador to Germany until 2003, when he retired.
Tributes continue to pour in for Bhengu. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube expressed her condolences: “On behalf of the sector and the Department of Basic Education, I extend our deepest sympathies to Professor Bhengu’s family, friends and former colleagues.
“We honour the professor for his invaluable contribution to the education sector. He was the first to tackle the immense challenge of transforming the education system into one that is inclusive. His work remains a cornerstone, and we will always remember the foundation he laid for the ongoing efforts we continue today.”
Last week, Ramaphosa praised Bhengu as a pioneering leader in South Africa’s democratic era and administration.
“Today we are grateful for Prof Bhengu’s diverse contributions to our development, which will light our way forward. We reflect as well on his life of faith which inspired his commitment to restoring the dignity of all South Africans. May his soul rest in peace.”