The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) community gathered in sombre reflection at the North Campus on 19 March 2026, to bid a final farewell to a man described as a “humble giant” and an “angel” of conservation. The memorial service for the late Dr Sibonelo Thanda Mbanjwa, a Lecturer in the Department of Nature Conservation, drew heartfelt tributes from family, colleagues, and students alike.
The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as speakers recounted the life of a man whose journey from a struggling student to a PhD-holding academic became a blueprint for perseverance at the Institution.
The keynote tribute was delivered by the Head of the Department of Nature Conservation, Professor Roger Coopoosamy, who shared a deeply personal history of his 15-year bond with Dr Mbanjwa. Their journey began in 2011 when Mbanjwa was a student facing the crushing weight of academic rejection. “I still remember that moment vividly: he stood before me with tears in his eyes, burdened by rejection, as no one was willing to supervise his projects,” Professor Coopoosamy recalled. “Behind those tears, I saw a quiet but unshakable determination.”
Under Professor Coopoosamy’s mentorship, Dr Mbanjwa defied the odds. He achieved a remarkable 74% for his Master’s degree through UNISA and completed his PhD at the same institution in an extraordinary three years. His thirst for knowledge led him back to MUT to complete a second Master’s in Nature Conservation in record time, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
Beyond his academic accolades, Dr Mbanjwa was remembered for his fierce advocacy for social harmony. Banoyolo Ntshiya, a third-year student and member of Dr Mbanjwa’s Environmental Sustainability Project, spoke of the lecturer’s distaste for academic silos. “Dr Mbanjwa hated divisions between students and staff. He always warned us about the importance of unity in our workplace,” Ntshiya said. “I will ensure that in my working environment, I continue the unity message that he taught us.”
This sentiment was echoed by Dr Mbanjwa’s cousin, Nhlakanipho Mseleku, who described him as a “kind-hearted individual who loved the people.” Whether guiding community projects in Umlazi Township, or educating local schools, Dr Mbanjwa’s work was never confined to the four walls of a classroom.
In a moving conclusion to his address, Professor Coopoosamy spoke directly to his departed colleague, highlighting the transition from a teacher-student dynamic to a deep fraternal bond. “Fifteen years of knowing you turned colleagues into family. And today, I do not just mourn a colleague, I mourn a brother,” Coopoosamy said. “You did more than achieve; you inspired. You stood firm when others turned away. You were, without doubt, a soul sent to uplift others.”
Dr Mbanjwa leaves behind a legacy of discipline, an unyielding belief in purpose, and a reminder that no obstacle is too great for those with the heart to persevere. Among others, Dr Mbanjwa won a Community Engagement award last year.