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An intellectual, revolutionary and patriot, who dedicated his life to building the intelligentsia in South Africa; and also a loving husband, father and grandfather, passionate about education and a community leader.  

These are the words used to describe the late Professor Muxe Nkondo, who was laid to rest today after his passing on Sunday morning at the age of 83.

Delivering the Eulogy at the Freedom Park Heritage and Museum in Pretoria, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Nkondo was a well-known name in local politics, Southern Africa and the continent. 

He reminded mourners that Nkondo produced great intellectuals, academics, Ministers and public servants, who are today serving the country with distinction. 

“I am equally pleased that we are sending him off [from] a place that he passionately supported and equally loved. It is at this place that we took the decision that we put to rest those who have served our nation with distinction. It is here that we have agreed that we spend quality time with those who have left us,” said Mashatile at the Special Provincial Funeral of renowned academic and social policy specialist, Professor Nkondo.

The funeral service was held at Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum in Pretoria on Friday.

The late academic occupied senior roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of the North and Vice-Chancellor of Venda University. 

“It is the wisdom of Prof Nkondo and many that today we do not have an identity crisis and because of them we can proudly say we are Africans, and ours is to build a nation that is a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous society.” 

The Deputy President also told mourners that he was also part of the Nkondo family and grew up under the late Curtis Nkondo, who was the Professor’s brother, who served in the African National Congress (ANC). 

“By being a member of this family, I also had the opportunity to have Prof Nkondo deliver a speech and bless our union during my wedding celebration,” he recalled. 

As a novice in the arts, creative and heritage sector, during his tenure as the Deputy Minister, and later as Minister of Arts and Culture, the Deputy President said he leaned on the wisdom of eminent individuals, including Nkondo. 

“As we have gathered here today to lay to rest Professor Muxe Nkondo, I am pleased to have worked closely with this exceptional individual, a defender of human rights and an extraordinary advocate for social cohesion and unity.”

Mashatile called on mourners to persist in combating all manifestations of discrimination, as the Professor “staunchly” advocated during his lifetime. 

“We have always known that no political democracy can survive and flourish if the masses of our people remain in poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Hence, attacking poverty and deprivation has remained high on the agenda of... government.”  

The Deputy President said Nkondo's legacy should inspire future generations to continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society. 

“This is also the objective of the Government of National Unity (GNU). I am confident that Prof Nkondo would have concurred with my assertion that the establishment of GNU is a significant development in our democracy in that it brought different political parties to work together to build the country of our dreams.”

The Deputy President vowed that the ANC-led GNU will succeed in the implementation of the three strategic priorities, including inclusive economic growth and job creation, maintaining and optimising the social wage, and building a capable, ethical and developmental State. 

“We had hoped to include Professor Nkondo’s insights as we prepare to hold the National Dialogue, which former President [Thabo] Mbeki raised here in Freedom Park and after that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his inaugural address that indeed, the country would hold a national dialogue.” 

The Deputy President said government will not deviate from its mission to enhance and transform the lives of communities in rural and marginalised regions, which Nkondo also lived for. 

“I can confidently state that Professor Nkondo has run a good race through his significant contributions to the political and intellectual landscape.”

His wife, Professor Olga Nkondo, also paid tribute to her late husband and said he was a father who loved all his children. 

“His happiest moments were the birth of his grandchildren. He appreciated all the conversations with all of you and phone calls he received from all who were away,” she said to her children. 

She said the Professor encouraged her to pursue her academic ambitions and supported her. 

“You were able to welcome everyone at home, a home of love, a home of care and togetherness. When I asked you how you’re able to welcome everyone to care and share with everyone, you said those were your parent’s teachers. 

“You were compassionate, you cared so deeply for your family and everyone. But what I appreciated most about you as a father, was that you never raised your hand to your children. You were a loving father and provided us with a home,” she added of her late husband. – SAnews.gov.za