At the funeral of a former member of MUT Council on 18 October 2025, a very important message was read. This was a eulogy from MUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Marcus Ramogale, paying tribute and respects to Mr Eric Jabulani Sibeko. Mr Sibeko’s son, Singeziwe, said the message was very well received. “As a family, we are greatly indebted to you for your invaluable contribution…. and your contribution added the weight and dignity that was befitting for uBaba’s send-off”.
Professor Ramogale was profoundly affected by the news of Mr Sibeko’s passing. “I am profoundly sorry to learn about the passing of Mr Sibeko. Mr Sibeko served on the Council of MUT several years ago, when I was acting as Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The last time I saw him was last year when we fortuitously met at Pick n Pay Hyperstore at Arbour Crossing, Amanzimtoti. Little did I know that I would not see him again. Mr Sibeko was one of the most constructive members of our University Council, always courteous and keen to make a positive contribution. Mangosuthu University of Technology benefited enormously from his wisdom and sense of fair play. His knowledge of matters legal came in handy whenever we had to deal with legal issues, and the general support he gave my management team is something that I still treasure to this day with the greatest measure of gratitude,” said Professor Ramogale. Professor Ramogale said that, as a member of Council, Mr Sibeko respected the dividing line between governance and management and never veered into management’s terrain. “I remember Mr Sibeko as the quintessential gentleman, as the embodiment of strong nation-building values that are continually eroded by our increasingly acquisitive and materialistic society. If our nation had more people like Mr Sibeko, it would grow stronger and more prosperous – nurtured by a ceaseless fountain of timeless principles that have, throughout history, created strong nations and enduring human achievements,” said Professor Ramogale. He further said that people who have worked with Mr Sibeko “have been enriched by his exemplary character and infectious virtues.