Sibaya leaves huge legacy in education
Sibaya, who retired last year, died after a short illness at the Empangeni Garden Clinic
FORMER University of Zululand Vice Rector, Professor Patrick Themba Sibaya, has been described as a giant in the education fraternity and an academic in the true sense of the word.
Speaking during Sibaya’s memorial service held last week at the Imbizo Conference Centre, long-time friend Prof Otty Nxumalo said Sibaya lived to serve and did everything with passion.
Close friend Prof. Jabulani Maphalala said Sibaya was an academic giant who was both humble and firm.
‘We are gathered here to remember this renowned scholar, psychologist and educationalist.
‘Sibaya was not just a professor by name, but he was a widely published author and was involved in co-authorship of at least 11 books on various subjects, including mental health, teaching and the training of professional psychologists.
‘He contributed articles to scientific journals, which included the Scientific Journal of Psychology and Journal of Education and Training, and served as president of the Psychological Association of South Africa.
‘He played a mentoring role to many academics, supervising 41 masters degree students and about 7 doctoral candidates.
He served at many universities in the country and in the USA as an external examiner for masters and PhDs. That is the measure of a professor. We remain poor without him,’ Maphalala said.
Sibaya, who retired last year, died after a short illness at the Empangeni Garden Clinic.
He joined Unizulu in March 1974 as a researcher and over the years rose to prominent positions, which included head of department (educational psychology), vice dean at the faculty of education and vice rector for academic affairs and research.
The 66-year old Sibaya, who held a PhD from Stellenbosch University, is survived by his wife Duduzile, who is an interim dean in Unizulu’s education department, their three children Ntokozo, Thembeka and Siyabonga and grandchildren.
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