Ramaphosa pays tribute to late former Edu Minister Sibusiso Bengu

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to Professor Sibusiso Bengu, the country’s first democratic education minister.

Bengu passed away in his sleep at his home last week. He was 90 years old. 

Ramaphosa has described him as a pioneering leader who helped transform the education system in post-apartheid South Africa.  

In a statement, the president highlighted Bengu’s role in formulating the Education Act, calling it a cornerstone of liberation that unlocked the potential of all South Africans.  

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa also noted Bengu’s contributions as South Africa’s ambassador to Germany and through the Sibusiso Bengu Development Programme.  

“Professor Sibusiso Bengu was a pioneering leader of our democratic dispensation and administration who led the transformation of education in a democratic Government of National Unity, where deep divisions existed about how far this transformation should go.”