Tributes have begun pouring in after the death of well-known and internationally acclaimed scholar, intellectual, and heritage expert Professor Muxe Nkondo.
News of his passing started filtering in early on Sunday morning, 18 August. His family later confirmed his death by issuing a short media statement. He was 83 years old at the time of his death.
Soon after the news of his passing broke, tributes and messages of condolence began pouring in. One of the first to send condolences to the family was President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"As the chair of various expert panels and reference groups, he made significant contributions to the development of public policy in areas ranging from tourism, human settlements, and public administration to science and technology, and arts and culture," he said.
Ramaphosa stated that Nkondo had left the country at the end of a life distinguished by his relentless pursuit and generation of knowledge that made his country, continent, and the world a richer, more inclusive place.
Another tribute came from the University of Venda, where Nkondo was a former vice-chancellor.
In his tribute, Univen's vice-chancellor, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, referred to the late academic as a distinguished scholar in social policy, national strategy development, and discourse analysis as well as a practitioner and academic who led Univen between 1994 and 2005.
"Professor Nkondo served the university with dedication and passion, leaving a lasting impact on our institution and the lives of many within our community. During his tenure, Prof Nkondo championed academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, shaping our university into what it is today," he said.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba also expressed her sadness and sent condolences to the family.
He is survived by his wife and fellow academic, Prof Olga Nkondo; his children Ntsako, Muxe, Mikateko, Zava, Mbonya, and Nkenyezi; as well as grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
His family said funeral details would be shared in due course.