The Learning and Teaching Development Centre (LTDC) at MUT faces the difficult task of picking up the pieces and soldiering on following the devastating loss of an executive team member Cebo Nyondo, who passed away on 8 August 2026. During the University’s memorial service on 12 August 2026, Ntombikhona Nene, a staff member at the LTDC, stepped up to the podium to deliver a deeply emotional tribute on behalf of the department.
“I do not know where to start,” a tearful Nene shared with the gathered community. Nene highlighted that Nyondo was far more than just a title or a boss. He was the anchor of the department, actively managing his personal countdown to the annual Focus Conference the team is preparing for.
Painting a picture of a warm and resilient leader, Nene remembered Nyondo’s remarkably even-tempered nature. “He did everything with the same face. He was never angry. If he was ever angry, he did not show it.” Nene also said they used to have light-hearted banter in the department, and Nyondo was part of it. The workplace was filled with mutual teasing, jokes, and shared laughter between Nyondo and his colleagues. Also, said Nene, Nyondo was a resident cake connoisseur. Nyondo played a playful role as the office judge for baked goods. Recalling their final light-hearted exchange, Nene shared how the team recently teased him about a specific cake, prompting Nyondo to jokingly express his disapproval by saying, “Kungcono vele ngilale” (I’d rather go and sleep).
“That was his last words. We are going to miss him. We joked together. We had banter,” Nene said, capturing the profound emptiness left in the department. As the LTDC team continues to prepare for the upcoming conference, they carry forward the memory of a leader who defined his tenure through unwavering professionalism, kindness, and joy.