NDZ: Working with ‘approachable’ Bengu was easy
Former cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has described Sibusiso Bengu as a humble man who did not use his education and experience to undermine others.
Speaking at Bengu’s official funeral at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, Dlamini Zuma described Bengu as the most intelligent and most experienced minister at the dawn of democracy.
Bengu served as Democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Education between 1994 and 1999.
He passed away in December at the age of 90.
Dlamini-Zuma said working with Bengu in Cabinet was easy as he was approachable and respectful.
“In 1994, we became colleagues in the Cabinet. Of course, he was one of the most experienced, most educated and he had been at the helm of very important institutions,” Dlamini-Zuma said.
“He started transforming education in 1994, as Fort Hare students would attest and many others. So, in the struggle, he was already transforming education.
“What was remarkable to me about Professor Bengu was his humanity. He was the most experienced, as I said, but there was no tinge of arrogance.”
She added that Bengu was supportive of people’s ideas.
“I found that very useful, as it was the first time in Parliament. He was one of the people I looked up to.”
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