17 August 2027
Press release statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A eulogy in loving memory of Cebo Nyondo
Delivered by Dr Manyane Makua, Senior Director: Learning and Teaching Development Centre (LTDC)
Where do I start?
The moment I received the call about your untimely passing, everything in my world stopped. My immediate reaction was outright denial: “This can’t be.” I stopped in my tracks and protested fiercely to the Lord. In desperation, I called your phone, half-expecting you to answer and disprove the unbearable truth. I waited to hear your familiar voice say “Dokotela” on the other end, but I was met instead with a cold, chilling silence. I am not one to easily feel helpless or shed tears, but in that twinkling of an eye, I felt completely out of control, and plenty of tears escaped my eyes.
Our bond began in 2013 at the Learning and Teaching Development Centre (LTDC). After me, you were one of the very first to join as an eLearning Specialist. Almost immediately, we clicked. Your unwavering attitude, demeanor, work ethic, and loyalty formed an unbreakable bond between us. Over the years, people came and went, but you stood firmly by MUT. I recall when you received a job offer from another university and walked into my office—I told you plainly, “You are going nowhere,” and I succeeded in keeping you. I never fully realized how deeply attached we were until now. Your death has ripped me apart. I still wake up hoping you will call me saying “Doc” or “Dokotela.”
You discharged your work with immense pride, humility, and excellence. You rose through the ranks to rightfully become Deputy Director, leading and mentoring staff with vision and grace. You were a pillar of strength to MUT, to the LTDC, and to me personally. No day would end without you popping into my office to check on me, walking with me to meetings, or walking me to the parking lot. You were my first port of call whenever pressure struck, defending me in my absence, and remaining completely impervious to cheap gossip and division.
Whether traveling locally or internationally, every business trip was better because of your presence. To quote Mark Antony at Caesar’s funeral: “Here lies a Caesar, when comes such another…?” Such another as Cebo Nyondo will never come again in my lifetime at MUT.
You were the true driving force behind our national Focus Conferences and the visionary architect of the Teaching with Technology Summit—a legacy we will proudly celebrate in your honour. Behind the scenes, beyond the hard work, were moments of pure, ecstatic laughter, shared “Fish Jokes,” and your gentle voice calling me to order when banter delayed our agenda: “Dr G, uthi sizoqeda la?”
In Macbeth, Shakespeare writes that life is “a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” I respectfully differ with Shakespeare’s final line, because yours was not a life of nothing. Yours was a life that signified an unassailable, lasting legacy. Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 9:11 that time and chance happen to us all, and Paul writes in Acts 20:24 of completing the task set before us.
Between the day we are born and the day we depart sits a simple dash. That dash represents your life, your legacy, and how you loved. Cebo, you filled your dash with honor, excellence, and unwavering loyalty.
Much love from me, Mfanakithi. Usishiyile kodwa kulungile kunje.
Lala ngoxolo, my good Sir, Colleague, Friend, and Son. May your soul rest in peaceful eternal sleep, and may your family and all of us find comfort in the rich legacy you leave behind.
[Ends]
Contact: Hlophe@mut.ac.za
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