Former education minister Sibusiso Bengu is capped by Professor Malegapuru Makgoba after receiving an honorary doctorate in education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in this file photo. Picture: Supplied
“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” – Aristotle
By Dr Vusi Shongwe
A REAL loss is never really lost. It remains warm and fast as much or as little in the ceaseless return of our feeling the loss as in our being continually reminded of what might have been without the loss.
A loss, if it is indeed real, will therefore not fail to be kept as a loss and hence, in keeping with this loss, will not lose what is mournfully felt to have been lost.
In fact, it is always in the presence of what by now is absent, in our doleful awareness of what is missing, that our sense of loss returns, and it is in and through this sense of loss that what was once present and is now forever gone floods back to become our future, to become, that is, what—expectedly or not—will await us in times to come.
A real loss, to repeat, is no loss at all; it is our future.
The death of Professor Sibusiso Bengu is an immeasurable loss to us all. And the sadness caused by this loss is as deep and wide as our memory of him will be rich and long-lasting, forming a spectral space that stretches far beyond the community of those who knew and loved him and in which his life and work will continue to stand as a true north in a manner few names associated with educational matters are likely to match.
I am grateful for having the opportunity to write about him on this occasion, especially when there are so many others who are more qualified than I am to do so and can do it in a much more illustrative manner.
Out of my deep respect for Bengu and all the individuals who have walked alongside him over the years and have spoken about his passing at various venues, I wish to say right away that I have not had any extended interaction with him in person and thus would not be so presumptuous as to present myself as being capable of paying tribute to him in any uniquely knowledgeable manner.
All I can hope to do here is to share some of my recollections gleaned from voracious reading and the few interactions I have had with people who were close to Ngcolosi.
Bengu was a friend to many people, and they all have their memories of him. That was part of his exceptionalism; he developed strong, meaningful friendships with everyone. I suspect that once in a millennium, God delivers to the world someone like Professor Sibusiso Bengu, and I fear that we will have to wait 1 000 years for another like him to come along. With his passing, our country is poorer without him.
Those who were fortunate enough to have known Bengu will always remember him with the greatest fondness and admiration. With his passing, they have lost a dear friend and a compatriot.
Bengu was a superb political scientist, but he was much more than that. He was a gentleman and a scholar in the truest sense of those words. He was a man of great compassion and deep conviction, with an unyielding dedication to truth and accuracy. Yet, as a mentor, he was unfailingly generous with his time and the fruits of his labours.
He was a man of rare wisdom, whose deep thoughtfulness illuminated all aspects of his love and life. His diligence was not only a professorial virtue but also a way of life that inspired everyone around him daily. His ability to make complex theories accessible and understandable to everyone was one of his greatest virtues.
He was a visionary who shaped the future of many with his wisdom and leadership. His quiet determination and inexhaustible energy remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication was not only reflected in his conscientiousness but also in his sincere desire for everyone around him to become better, more successful, and wiser.
Bengu was indeed a humble and compassionate soul whose life’s work was dedicated teaching. His legacy in the field of education will serve as an everlasting source of inspiration for generations to come.
Ngcolosi, Bengu’s clan name, was more than an educator and professor; he was a beacon of light in our lives. He leaves behind a void that can never be filled, but his teachings and his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, let us also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Bhengu’s contributions to education and his memory will forever inspire us to strive for excellence, compassion, and innovation.
In his honour, let us remember the words he lived by: “Never stop learning, never stop caring, and never stop thinking of newer ideas to make the world a better place through your work.”
Bengu was tireless in his pursuit of knowledge, always striving to expand his horizons and encourage others to do the same. His quiet strength and selflessness left an indelible mark, making him not only a great educator but also a great man.
May his wisdom and immense dedication remain as a lasting memory of an exceptional man who, with his example, lit the way for many. The memory of his expertise, dedication, and humanity will live forever in the hearts of all who knew and appreciated him.
Ngcolosi, Wena wakwaDlabazane, KaNgwane, you were more than a teacher; you were a guiding light, a mentor, and a cherished friend whose absence is profoundly felt. Your enduring legacy lives on in the hearts of all those you inspired, taught, and mentored. Rest in peace, my Guru, and thank you for the wisdom you shared with us.
We promise to carry your ideas forward and to perpetuate your relentless spirit of innovation, inspired by the remarkable example of your life. To paraphrase the words of Maya Angelou’s poem: When Great Trees Fall, He Exists. He existed. We can be. Be and be better. Professor Sibusiso Bengu existed.
My dear professor, rest in peace. Your contribution to the world will remain invaluable.
* Dr Vusi Shongwe is the former head of the Department of the Royal Household. The contribution is written in his personal capacity. The views expressed here are his own.
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