Professor Sibusiso Mandlenkosi Emmanuel Bengu (1934–2024) was a distinguished South African academic and politician. Here are 15 interesting facts about him:
1. First Post-Apartheid Education Minister: Bengu served as South Africa’s first Minister of Education after the end of apartheid, from May 1994 to June 1999, under President Nelson Mandela.
2. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare: Prior to his ministerial role, he was the first black Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare, serving from 1991 to 1994.
3. Founder of Dlangezwa High School: In 1969, Bengu founded Dlangezwa High School near Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal and served as its inaugural principal until 1976.
4. Secretary-General of Inkatha: He was the inaugural Secretary-General of Inkatha, a political movement founded by Mangosuthu Buthelezi in 1975.
5. Exile in Geneva: After disagreements with Buthelezi, Bengu went into self-imposed exile in Geneva from 1978 to 1991, working for the Lutheran World Federation.
6. Academic Qualifications: Bengu earned a Bachelor’s degree and Honours degree in history from the University of South Africa in 1966, and a PhD in political science from the University of Geneva in 1974.
7. Ambassador to Germany: After his tenure as Education Minister, he served as South Africa’s Ambassador to Germany from 1999 to 2003.
8. Advocate for Outcome-Based Education: As Minister of Education, Bengu introduced Curriculum 2005, aiming to shift South African education to an outcome-based approach.
9. Teacher Redeployment Program: He implemented a nationwide program to redeploy teachers to address disparities in the education system.
10. Family Background: Bengu was born into a religious family; his father was a Lutheran minister, and his paternal uncle was the evangelist Reverend Nicholas Bhengu.
11. Political Affiliation: After returning from exile, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and was elected to the National Assembly in 1994.
12. Contribution to Non-Racial Education: Bengu played a pivotal role in leading South Africa towards a single, coordinated, non-racial, and non-sexist education system.
13. Retirement: After serving as Ambassador to Germany, he retired from public service in 2003.
14. Personal Life: He was married to Funeka Bengu and had four daughters and a son.
15. Passing: Professor Bengu passed away peacefully in his sleep on 30 December 2024 at his home in Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal, at the age of 90.
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