Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has expressed deep sadness following the passing of Jennifer Glennie, the founding Executive Director of the South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE) and respected pioneer in the field of distance learning.
In a statement on Thursday, Manamela said Glennie’s death represented a significant loss to South Africa’s education fraternity.
Paying tribute to her lifelong work, the Minister described Glennie as “a visionary leader whose lifelong passion for education, particularly in distance learning, has left an indelible mark”.
From the apartheid era through to the democratic transition, Glennie championed access, equity, and justice in education.
Manamela highlighted her pioneering role in developing contextually appropriate, activity-based learning materials and innovative student support mechanisms that transformed South Africa’s distance education landscape.
Glennie contributed extensively to the national higher education system, including playing a central role in establishing the Council on Higher Education, serving for two decades on the Council of the University of South Africa (Unisa), and representing the country at the Commonwealth of Learning. She was also instrumental in the founding of Sol Plaatje University.
A recognised advocate for technology enabled learning, Glennie was a at the forefront of promoting Open Educational Resources (OER), to create meaningful educational opportunities for poor and marginalised groups.
“The higher education sector would not be what it is today without the dedication of pioneers like Jennifer Glennie. Her deep love for the people of this country and her abhorrence for injustice touched and improved many lives. Her role in expanding access to higher education for Africans and her legacy will continue to inspire us,” the Minister said.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Glennie’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire higher education sector.
Sol Plaatje University’s Council Chairperson, Professor Randall Carolissen, described Glennie as a remarkable leader who devoted her life to expanding access to quality education at all levels for marginalised communities in South Africa.
“Glennie had a long and distinguished connection with Sol Plaatje University (SPU) where she was instrumental in setting the tone for the impeccable governance culture that guided the Council through its difficult early years. She served as the Chairperson of the Interim Council in 2013 and then as the Deputy Chairperson of the Inaugural Council from 2014 to 2022.
“She was the Deputy Chairperson of both the Executive Committee and the Remuneration Committee of Council; a member of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and later served as the Chairperson of the ARC until the end of her term on Council,” Carolissen said. – SAnews.gov.za
