Obituary: Sibusiso Benedict Ngidi

April 17, 2007

Sibusiso Benedict Ngidi was born on 15 April 1953, to Mrs Agnes Nomathemba Ngidi (uMa Zwezwe) and the late Joseph Ngidi at the then Umphumulo Teacher Training Mission in Maphumulo near Stanger, KwaDukuza.

He started his primary education at Woody Glen in Hammarsdale and completed it at Umthombo Higher Primary School in Mamelodi, Pretoria, where he excelled in short distance running and earned himself the nickname of “Humphrey Khosi” - the champ at the time.

He started his tertiary education at The Vlakfontein Technical School in Mamelodi. He completed his Junior Certificate at Vumandaba Secondary School at Imfume. He obtained his matriculation qualification at Menzi High School where he distinguished himself in the art of debate, rising to the position of Chairperson of the Debating Society.

He acquired the following tertiary qualifications:

- Secondary Teachers Diploma : University of Zululand
- Bachelor of Arts : University of Zululand
- Bachelor of Education : University of Natal
- Master of Education : University of Carolina (USA)

He taught for several years at Umbelebele High School in Umlazi and held the position of Principal/Headmaster at the following schools, Kwahluzingqondo, Kwa-Nokweja, and Umkhumbi.

In 1992 he rose to the position of Inspector of Schools and worked at the Umbumbulu circuit. In this position, he had a role not only in the administration of education but also in the integration of several education administration systems that were a feature of our apartheid past.

He joined the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1999 and served this party in several capacities. He was the Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson from 1999 to 2004. The positions he held up to the time of his passing on, include;

- IFP Spokesperson in Parliament (from 2004):
- Member of the IFP National Council (from 1999) and,
- Provincial Secretary of the IFP.

Sibusiso succumbed to cancer on Wednesday 12 April 2007 after battling the disease for over four years.

“Bra Sbu” is survived by his wife, Zanele (MaPhoswa), his mother, three sisters, three brothers and five lovely daughters, Nontando, Lungi, Poppy, Jackie and BA.

He will be missed by family and friends for his love, wit, selflessness and intellect.

Hamba kahle Mbuso kabhatata! Sbanda’ maqakala! Zakhe! Hlomuka! Gezangenhla!
Mhlakazanhlansi zibashise! Dloko lwendlovu!

Lala uphumule, till we meet again.

Contact:
Dr BT Buthelezi
082 516 0156