Picture: The late Professor Dan Kgwadi/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Vice Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and North West University (NWU), the late Professor Dan Kgwadi was described as a ‘giant of empathy’. According to speakers who paid homage to Kgwadi during the memorial service held at the North West University in Mahikeng, Kgwadi was instrumental in shaping many careers of students and helped them to rediscover their purpose in humankind.
Kgwadi (56), passed away last week Sunday after a long illness.
One of the speakers, Simian Taole, said Kgwadi was a man of strong conviction and courage. Taole said Kgwadi was driven by the desire to ensure that there is a development of students.
“It is a fact of life that when you get to the age that I am in, you have short days ahead. I expected Kgwadi to be the one who spoke at my funeral, but little did I know that it would be the opposite. May Almighty Lord grant me the serenity to accept things that I cannot change.
“Our children are also God’s children and when it is time, he will come and take them one by one. I first knew Kgwadi when he was an undergraduate in his early years and noticed that he was very keen on the laboratory. We assessed Kgwadi’s potential and after completion of his first degree, he applied for a scholarship in the United States of America (USA),” he said.
He further said, Kgwadi led one of the most remarkable transitions under difficult circumstances in the modern history of the NWU. Taole added that Kgwadi left a big gap that was difficult to fill when he left the university.
“He understood the challenges and was a man of strong conviction. Kgwadi also had the desire to develop students. He clearly not only appreciated the enthusiasm of the youth but respected the elders too. Kgwadi made good use of the opportunities he was given and his life should inspire the students to reach for the sky,” Taole said.
The NWU’s Deputy Dean for Natural Sciences and Agriculture, Professor Helen Drummond said, she came across Kgwadi as a chemistry student and worked with him when he came back to the university. Drummond said Kgwadi was always respectful and he would call for advice.
The NWU Vice Chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka shared the same sentiments. Tyobeka said Kgwadi was a true humanitarian, a friend and mentor that he has known for 30 years.
“We have lost a remarkable and very compassionate man who was willing to listen to other people. He helped many people he never knew and he made it a mission to give assistance to those in need. He took action to make a positive impact in life.
“Kgwadi was known for his kindness and generosity, especially to those underprivileged. So, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. His personality and approach brought stability to the university and he was an outspoken and at times very provocative person,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande said Kgwadi’s leadership has been most profound with unwavering determination.
“He had a profound passion for serving and empowering the underprivileged youth, particularly from rural and township backgrounds. He further demonstrated this commitment to serve others by nurturing emerging academics and leaders,” he said.
The Guardian 