Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has paid tribute to the former Vice Chancellor of the Durban University of Technology, Professor Bonganjalo Goba, following his death.
Premier Mchunu said although they were aware of Goba’s ill-health, they had hopes that he would soon recover.
“We will remember him for his contribution towards starting the ‘I do right’ campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting ethical standards in government. In promoting this campaign, Professor Goba often said we must do right, even when nobody is watching.
“We extend our condolences to his church (United Congregational Church of Southern Africa), his family, friends and the academic community on behalf of the provincial government. We will remember him for his contribution towards the provision of quality education,” said Premier Mchunu.
Premier Mchunu was speaking during a visit by the Provincial Executive Council to Pholela High School in Bulwer as part of Operation Sukuma Sakhe. He and Goba were schoolmates at the school in the 1960s.
“I remember him personally as a schoolmate at Pholela High School in Harry Gwala District Municipality. He was a dedicated learner and always displayed outstanding leadership qualities.
“Today we visited his old school to pay tribute to the man who took education seriously until his untimely death. We commit ourselves to continue his good work of championing the provision of quality education to our children.”
The Premier said Professor Goba had a colourful career, having served in the higher education sector as lecturer, professor, dean and vice-chancellor. He was the first vice-chancellor to preside over the merger of tertiary institutions in the late 90s.
He successfully brought together ML Sultan Technikon and Natal Technikon to form the Durban University of Technology.
“We will always remember his contribution during the transition period as he served within the multi-party committee, which ushered in a democratic government. He was at the forefront of the voter education campaign in 1994,” Premier Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
