Murdered Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) head of residences Siyabulela Thwalani had a passion for serving the interests of students and worked hard in ensuring that segregation and oppression have no room.
These were the sentiments of speakers during his memorial service held at the institution's Bellville campus yesterday.
A second memorial was held at the OR Tambo (Mew Way) Hall in Khayelitsha. Thwalani was murdered in Khayelitsha on Saturday while in his car parked outside a friend’s house.
His killing, which his union denounced as a “ghastly hit”, sent shock waves through the university and Khayelitsha community.
He had worked for CPUT for about 10 years. Thwalani was the institution's HOD of residences in Cape Town campus.
Hundreds of people packed the CPUT’s auditorium to pay tribute. The event started on a high note with those in attendance singing revolutionary songs and praising their former leader.
His colleague, Sipho Hlongwane, said Thwalani came from humble beginnings. He hailed the memorial a success.
Another colleague, Zandile Jacobs, said: “Under these dark clouds the family should not lose hope. We know how families invest in us, that we should bury them instead of them burying us, and now they know how many people loved and cherished Siya.”
SACP provincial secretary Benson Ngqentsu said: “We condemn this senseless killing. What was the basis for the killing of Siya?
"We must use this killing of Siya as a reflection of who we have become and what we hope to achieve. His signature was his smile. He remained firm in his views.
"As we bid farewell to Mcenge (Thwalani’s clan name), he is leaving us in a state where corruption has become the order of the day.”
Thwalani will be buried in Dimbaza in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.