Ramaphosa Pays Tribute To SA's First Education Minister Sibusiso Bengu

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed grief over the death of Professor Sibusiso Bengu, South Africa's first Minister of Education in the democratic era. He also served as South Africa's Ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.

Bengu passed away at the age of 90. According to a statement from his family, he died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 30, at his home in KwaZulu-Natal.

"My thoughts are with Mama Funeka and the family, with whom we are united in this loss," the president said, SA News reported. "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 emphasized that under apartheid, unequal education was a key factor in perpetuating economic exclusion, poverty, and indignity for most citizens. He noted that the Education Act, developed under the late professor's leadership and adopted by South Africa's first democratic Parliament, played a vital role in the country's liberation.

The Act helped unlock the potential of all South Africans and continues to empower individuals and communities today. The president also acknowledged Bengu's contributions as South Africa's Ambassador to Germany and praised his patriotic and visionary service.

Bengu's legacy lives on through the Sibusiso Bengu Development Program, which supports the growth of historically disadvantaged higher education institutions, the president said. This program aims to strengthen these institutions as socially significant contributors to a diversified post-school education and training system.

The president expressed gratitude for Bengu's many contributions to South Africa's development, which continue to guide the country forward. He also mentioned Bengu's life of faith, which inspired his dedication to restoring the dignity of all South Africans.

Born in Kranskop, Natal, Bengu started his teaching career in 1952 and founded Dlangezwa High School in 1969, where he served as principal until 1976. He later became the Dean of Students at the University of Zululand before leaving South Africa in 1978.

He earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Geneva and became the first black Vice-Chancellor of Fort Hare University in 1991, a major milestone in higher education reform.

In 1994, late President Nelson Mandela appointed him as South Africa's first Minister of Education in the democratic era. Bengu led efforts to unify fragmented education departments, introduced Curriculum 2005, and worked to end apartheid's educational inequalities.

After his time as Minister, he served as South Africa's Ambassador to Germany. His political journey began in 1974 as Secretary-General of Inkatha yeNkuleleko yeSizwe, and later, in exile, he worked with ANC President Oliver Tambo and the Lutheran World Federation for justice and equality.

Upon returning to South Africa in 1991, he continued his commitment to education and liberation, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service.