Veteran educator and former Orlando Pirates Football Club chairman Donald Daniel Dhliwayo, affectionately known as "DD", has passed away at the age of 98.
Dhliwayo, who was originally from Nancefield in Musina, died on 1 May at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after spending six weeks in intensive care with pneumonia.
He studied teaching at Lemana College and went on to dedicate more than 40 years of his life to education. He shaped the future of thousands of learners in Soweto, where he taught and mentored with deep commitment and compassion. Known for going beyond the call of duty, DD often paid for pupils' education from his own pocket.
His love of education was rooted in his humble upbringing. He was the child of a mineworker and an illiterate mother who sold magwinya to make a living. The memory of his own struggles inspired him and the late Dr Thamsanqa Kambule to establish the Rand Bursary Fund in the late 1960s, aimed at helping students further their studies.
His son, Kutlwano Dhliwayo, described him as a community builder whose influence extended far beyond the classroom and football field. "He only ate healthy food his whole life, and he never drank alcohol or smoked. He lost his father at a young age and had to rely on his mother. He really struggled, even with his education, but despite the challenges, he rose above them and managed to go to school. We will remember him as a true servant of the people," he said.
Dhliwayo wore many hats throughout his life. While his contribution to education was significant, he also made his mark in football. As chairman of Orlando Pirates FC, he played a vital role in turning the club into one of the most successful football teams on the continent.
Dhliwayo will be laid to rest on Friday, 9 May at Nasrec Memorial Park.