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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the late democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, as a “distinguished educator, diplomat and a servant of the people”.

The Deputy President was delivering the eulogy at Bengu’s funeral service held at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.

Bengu passed away in December at the age of 90 and was afforded a Special Official Funeral Category 2.

“Today we gather to pay tribute to a remarkable individual, Professor Sibusiso Bengu, a renowned revolutionary, an intellectual of his time. As a country, we have lost a distinguished educator, diplomat and a servant of the people.

“Professor Bengu has played a key role in shaping education and other social policies contributing to the transformation of the sector and most importantly, reversing the legacy of Apartheid education,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Bengu played a key role in the transformation of South Africa’s education sector following the attainment of democracy and played a role in the transition of higher education in the country.

The Deputy President highlighted this as part of Bengu’s legacy.

“His skills, knowledge and contribution to various sectors of educations showed that he possessed the capacity to revolutionise education by dismantling the dreadful legacies of Apartheid.
“Thirty years later, our education outcomes are still improving – a testament to the profound impact of this icon. As part of President [Nelson] Mandela’s cabinet, he introduced many key pieces of legislation that shaped our education system. 

“Among these are the South African Schools Act of 1996 and the policy recommendations of the National Commission on Higher Education which served as a guide for the government’s efforts to reconstruct and transform the apartheid higher education system,” Deputy President Mashatile explained.

The former Minister advocated for understanding the “connection between education and development”.

“We must continue to address challenges related to access to better education. An educated society has better prospects for a better future and breaking the shackles of poverty and injustices.

“Educated populations correspond with national economic growth and both directly and indirectly increase economic productivity.”

Beyond 30 years of freedom

The Deputy President said that as the country now moves beyond 30 years since the attainment of freedom and democracy, government was “going to invest in the speed of policy execution and implementation”.

“This is to ensure that the critical transformation policy contributions made by Professor Bengu are not undermined and that we continue to drive the change that we are pursuing in this sector.

“Our task is to ensure that the state, institutions of higher education, and the private sector will expand the ten growth sectors, which include finance, manufacturing, agriculture, business, and services, amongst others.

“Our goal is to create much-needed employment while also ensuring that many young people, women, and the most disadvantaged individuals have meaningful participation in the economy. We have also agreed that emerging from the 2024 elections, we are going to focus on growing an inclusive economy and reducing the cost of living,” he said.

Furthermore, Mashatile added, government is actively “investing in the building of a developmental, capable, and ethical state that has the capacity to transform society and redirect development to resolve the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality”.

The Deputy President passed his final condolences to the Bengu family on behalf of the government of South Africa.

“As we accompany our leader and brother to his final resting place, may we always remember how Professor Sibusiso Bengu's political efforts have been vital in furthering our democratic values and socio-economic development.

“His passion to promote equality and fairness has had a long-lasting influence on our society, and this should inspire us. To this day many South Africans, are still benefiting from his immense contribution, and for this we are grateful.

“Once more, on behalf of the government, let me extend our deepest condolences to Mama Funeka, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Bengu family.”

The Deputy President called on society to follow Bengu’s example and “strive for excellence in everything we do”.

“Let his example guide us and his spirit, inspire us to make a positive impact in our country,” he said.

Proceedings at the funeral included ceremonial elements rendered by the South African Police Service.  – SAnews.gov.za

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