UNIZULU Mourns the passing of the former DVC – Teaching & Learning

The University of Zululand is deeply saddened by the passing of

Professor Sechaba Mahlomaholo, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for

Teaching and Learning at the University of Zululand.

Prof Mahlomaholo’s career in the higher education sector spanned almost

three decades. From 1996 to 1999, he served as HOD for the Department of Educational Psychology and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education at the then QwaQwa Campus of the University of North. Prof Mahlomaholo went on to assume the role of HOD for the Educational Studies Department at Vista University, where he was tasked with overseeing the departmental operations across Vista’s nine campuses until 2001. Between 2001 and 2004, he was appointed Professor and Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies at the then Medical University of Southern Africa, now called Sefako Makgato University. Thereafter, Prof Mahlomaholo worked as the Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of the Free State (UFS) from January 2015 until December 2016.

Before joining UNIZULU in January 2019 until 31 August 2020, he occupied the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). His work ethic was a testament of the many accolades and achievements he has received in his career in higher education. At the time of his passing, he had been leading an NRF-sponsored research team of academics from UNIZULU, UFS, WSU, the Sol Plaatjie University (SPU) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

In 2016, Prof Mahlomaholo was among ten nominees for the Kader Asmal Category in the National Teacher’s Awards. Over the past 10 years, he guest edited a total of 10 different and accredited education research journals in South Africa. He had been a speaker at numerous national and international conferences. In addition to his achievements, Prof Mahlomaholo successfully supervised more than 33 PhD and 37 master’s students at five different universities.

Prof Mahlomaholo impressively received numerous awards for his outstanding research and leadership contributions over the years. Former students and colleagues alike continue to speak of him with the greatest of admiration, respect, and fondness.

The professor will be remembered as an exceptional academic, scholar and demanding boss in every role. He expected the best from everyone and gave his best in his service to the University and its people.

This academic has left an indelible mark on many lives, including his own children and their children. He will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences go out to his children and grandchildren, family, and friends

• Precious Shamase