The late Education Chief Specialist in the Department of Education and community builder, Zuko Nqeketho, was celebrated for his contributions to community upliftment at his home village of Mqwangqweni, in Ngqeleni, last week. The Memorial Lecture was hosted by the United Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Nyandeni Circuit in Ngqeleni.
Nqeketho began his career as a teacher, later becoming a Head of Department, and eventually a principal. He later joined the head office in Bhisho as a Deputy Chief Education Specialist.
He passed away in 2020 at the age of 49 after a short illness. Zuko’s brother, Ayanda Nqeketho, said the Memorial Lecture was hosted in honour of his late brother’s dedication to education and community service. He shared that Zuko had donated his own land to the church, which he had originally intended for business purposes. The church later built a hall on the site and named it after him, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to expanding educational access for rural youth.
“The church decided that this Memorial Lecture should be more than just a ‘thank you’ for donating the land. It should honour and celebrate an exemplary life. Whilst our family will always remember him as a brother, son, husband and father, we also remember him as a problem solver, organiser and brave, skilled leader. As the firstborn child of Mayoyo and Nophumzile Nqeketho, he fulfilled his role perfectly, motivating all of us to pursue education and supporting us financially,” said Nqeketho.
Ayanda added that over time, the family learned with pride that Zuko had also provided financial assistance to many other young people in their village and beyond, not just relatives. “He was passionate about seeing rural youth educated. It pained him deeply to witness the growing problem of substance abuse among young people in our villages. He knew that drug use was standing in the way of education and success. Almost five years since his passing, with substance abuse still increasing, we know he would be saddened by this reality.”
He concluded that the family hopes the many young people Zuko mentored as a teacher, principal, financial supporter and advocate for education will remember his example and pay it forward by helping others. “By sharing his story as a community builder, we believe even youth who never knew him will be inspired. As a family, we will continue to honour his life and ensure that future generations know there once was a great man who truly cared for the youth.”
District Director for the Department of Education in the O.R. Tambo District, Dr Bongie Peyana, said Zuko had touched the lives of many people, even those who had never worked in education. “He played a major role in the department as a teacher, principal and official. During his time, he made an indelible mark in the Department. He served as the Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the office of Institutional Support and Governance in Bhisho. He was a central figure in the department because he oversaw the inspectorate section,” said Peyana.
She added that Zuko was deeply dedicated to his work and that the department would never be the same without him. “He did not leave a vacancy behind; he left a legacy. He was not one of those people who can be replaced when they pass away. His legacy will never be erased. He was very proud of his roots and often spoke fondly of this area, including the Nqeketho School and Clinic built here. We are here as the department to say our work will never be the same without him, but we celebrate his life and the legacy he left behind.”
Bishop Songezo Mqhayi from the United Methodist Church of Southern Africa in the Mqwangqweni Circuit said Zuko became a mediator after they had a misunderstanding with the Zixholosini Mission, which led them to start their own circuit.
“He gave us land to build our branch, which we have named Zuko Nqeketo Memorial Hall. His family donated R100,000 when we were opening the Mqwangqweni Circuit. We are very proud of him, and we will make sure that we continue bringing development that will assist our community, because that is what he was passionate about.
“We have also decided to use an office in this hall to open an internet café, so that young people will not struggle when they need to print their CVs, and so on,” said Mqhayi.
