Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) senior leadership joined grieving colleagues and family members to honour the memory of Cebo Nyondo, the late Deputy Director of the Learning and Teaching Development Centre (LTDC), who passed away on 8 August 2026. Summoning immense strength, Professor Marcus Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, and Dr Lindelani Qwabe, Head of the Department of Analytical Chemistry, delivered heartfelt tributes on behalf of the University community.
Professor Ramogale admitted he was uncharacteristically left searching for words to capture the magnitude of the tragedy. Describing Nyondo as exceptionally caring, efficient, and deeply dedicated, Professor Ramogale recalled how Nyondo routinely checked in on him and consistently showed up prepared for every expected meeting.
Reflecting on the department’s evolution since the launch of the LTDC in 2012, Professor Ramogale credited Nyondo as a vital pillar of its growth. Turning directly to the grieving family and Dr Manyane Makua, Senior Director of the LTDC, he shared a message of solidarity. “I want to say to the family that your pain is our pain. Your loss is our loss. Nyondo was completely dedicated to his work… He had small heroic acts too good for this world. Dr Makua, we know your loss. What you are going through is what we are going through. Death is certain, but we never get used to it.”
Dr Qwabe, for his part, remembered a “gentleman” and the heart of the LTDC. Speaking through both prayer and formal tribute, Dr Lindelani Qwabe echoed the deep sense of shock felt across the Institution, exclaiming, “What a loss!” Dr Qwabe fondly recalled Nyondo’s exceptional humility, noting how he affectionately addressed him as “Baba Qwabe.” “He was a centre of LTDC. He was at the heart of his division. His departure has left a very big void,” Dr Qwabe said.
Dr Qwabe said that it would be very difficult to find a proper replacement for Nyondo. Addressing Dr Makua directly, Dr Qwabe remarked, “You will have a hard time finding a replacement. We will pray that God gives you that replacement.” He said that Nyondo was forever helpful. “We shared incredible moments with him. What a gentleman. I am broken. We all are. We will heal in time.”
As the MUT community continues to process the profound vacuum left by Nyondo’s passing, leadership and colleagues alike remain united in prayer, remembering a dedicated colleague whose gentle spirit and unwavering professionalism left an indelible mark on the Institution.