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Nkhensani Chauke
President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was saddened at the loss of eminent scholar, academic and heritage expert Muxe Nkondo, who died during the early hours of Sunday at the age of 83.
The news of Nkondo’s passing was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday confirming the passing away of one of the country’s most famous cultural academics.
“The Nkondo family is sad to announce the death of Prof Muxe Nkondo, academic, public-policy practitioner and cultural leader, who made a profound difference to many areas of South African life. He was committed to helping communities, the environment, education and above all, the arts,” the statement read.
President Ramaphosa said Nkondo left a life distinguished by his relentless pursuit and generation of knowledge that has made his country, continent and world richer and in the betterment of humanity.
“His ideas and their applications have impacted on lives and institutions across the globe. They are also a diaspora of academics, leaders and administrators who have benefited from Prof Nkondo’s inexhaustible intellect and interest in the betterment of humanity,” Ramaphosa said.
The president offered his deep condolences to the family, friends, national and international associates of the late professor.
Former Gauteng premier David Makhura extended his condolences to the family, and bemoaned the loss of Nkondo and his contributions to the political and intellectual landscape.
“The news about the passing of Prof Gessler Muxe Nkondo is a profound loss to our nation. What a brilliant mind… a Marxist intellectual and activist to the end. My generation owes a great debt of gratitude to you Prof! Condolences to the family,” Makhura said.
University of Venda (UNIVEN) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Bernard Nthambeleni extended his deepest condolences to the Nkondo family, friends, and colleagues of the professor.
“Prof Nkondo’s vision and leadership have inspired generations of students and staff, and his legacy will continue to guide us in our pursuit of excellence and service to the community,” Nthambeleni said.
University of Venda spokesperson Takalani Dzaga said Nkondo served the university with dedication and passion, and left a lasting impact on the institution and the lives of many within our community.
“During his tenure, Prof Nkondo championed academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, shaping our university into what it is today. Through his unwavering commitment, during the higher education transformation which led to mergers of institutions of higher education in South Africa, UNIVEN was retained as an independent, comprehensive university,” Dzaga said.
Dzaga said details regarding the memorial service and funeral of the professor will be announced soon.
Nkondo was a former vice-chancellor of the University of Venda, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of the North and Harvard Andrew Mellon Fellow in English.
He lectured extensively at universities in the US and served as a curriculum development and governance adviser to the University of SA, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Tshwane University of Technology, Central University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University.
He is survived by his wife Prof Olga Nkondo, his children, Ntsako, Muxe, Mikateko, Zava, Mbonya and Nkenyezi, grandchildren and great-grandchild.
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