SADTU’S CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE DEMISE OF PROFESSOR MUXE NKONDO
21 August 2024
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) sends its sincerest condolences to the family of renowned academic and public policy guru, Professor Muxe Nkondo.
SADTU has a special relationship with the Nkondo family through the late Comrade Curtis Nkondo who was brother to Professor Nkondo. Curtis Nkondo was the first vice president of SADTU at its launch in 1990 and had played a critical role towards its formation as president of the Union’s precursor, the National Education Union of South Africa (NEUSA).
Professor Nkondo was an embodiment of a teacher we envision as a Union. Just like his brother, he understood the value of education beyond pedagogy but as a tool which one could use to beat the apartheid system. He had a passion not only for education but also for arts, environment and helping communities.
Professor Nkondo was a champion for cultural revolution, a fervent advocate for the development, promotion, and protection of African indigenous knowledge systems. He believed deeply in their integration into the fields of mathematics and science. His relentless pursuit of academic excellence and commitment to education inspired countless individuals to follow careers in academia and beyond.
He lectured at universities in the United States of America and South Africa. He was former vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor at the University of Limpopo, former chancellor at the University of Venda, curriculum development and governance adviser at the University of South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Tshwane University of Technology, Central University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University.
He made significant contributions in the development of national policies for various government departments and chaired several expert panels and reference groups.
His legacy is one of empowerment, enlightenment, and the elevation of African knowledge and its role in shaping the future.
May his soul rest in peace.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat