Durban - The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is mourning the death of former vice-chancellor, Professor Aaron “Mseshi” Ndlovu, 71, who died on Wednesday after a short illness.
Ndlovu, MUT principal between 1997 and 2008, will be buried in Estcourt on Sunday and a memorial service will be held on Saturday at the Bhekuzulu Hall at the University of Zululand’s KaDlangwezwa campus.
He is credited for ushering the university into its new era – rebranding it from Mangosuthu Technikon (ManTech) to MUT.
He also oversaw the purchase of the UniZulu uMlazi campus, which is now home to the MUT Faculty of Natural Sciences. It was under his reign that the university purchased the Executive Hotel in uMlazi, which now houses 200 students.
MUT vice-chancellor, Professor Mashupye Kgaphola, said the university was saddened by the news.
“We extend our condolences to his family and friends as we pray for them to find the grace and strength to bear the pain of the loss.”
MUT registrar, Mike Naidoo, said Ndlovu would be remembered for enforcing the transformation agenda.
“He will also be remembered for the incremental growth in student numbers and infrastructure developments from the offices which house the Faculty of Management Sciences, the Dr Pixley KaSeme Hall, the executive management offices, the acquisition of the former UniZulu Umlazi campus and the acquisition of the Executive Hotel,” he said.
Ndlovu was instrumental in the strategic planning of the Technikon Planning Team – which shaped the core purposes of technikons in democratic South Africa.
He grew enrolment to more than 6 000 in 1998, from 868 in 1988, and introduced evening classes.
ANC provincial secretary, Super Zuma, said Ndlovu was the party’s first chairman of the Musa Dladla (North Coast) Region.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a beloved ANC leader, who remains an example of revolutionary dedication and commitment to freedom for all our people.”
Daily News
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