VIDEO: Tributes continue to pour in for late Ekurhuleni East principal Happy Sibande
She led with heart, vision, and unshakable strength. Now, Ekurhuleni East TVET College reflects on the legacy of a principal who transformed lives and shaped futures.
Kwa-Thema – Principal and CEO of Ekurhuleni East TVET College Happy Sibande was honoured on Wednesday in a crowded hall at the college for her outstanding leadership.
Sibande, who died on July 17, was hailed as a champion of access and excellence.
Mfanele Ntsobi, chairperson of the Ekurhuleni East TVT College Council, said that life has not been the same since the day they learned of Sibande’s passing.
“We have had to call on the powers that be, in order to give the institution a way forward. The challenge that we face is great, having to lead the institution without her.
“We were expecting so much. We were expecting to still learn so much from her. She was the embodiment of calm, peace and structure,” he explained.
Sibande, who was born on January 1, 1962, dedicated more than 30 years of her life to the college, shaping its legacy through visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless service.
She joined the institution in 1994 as a lecturer, quickly distinguishing herself as a capable and forward-thinking educator.
Over the years, she rose through the ranks, serving as the strategic marketing, communications, and new business manager.
She later became deputy principal of academic affairs.
Her predecessor, Clarence Pereira said Sibande was a humble person.
“She was an impeccable servant leader. She also had a quiet strength, that those who ‘thatha ma-chance’ with her would be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Pereira said Sibande always put the needs of others before her own, especially those that served under her. In 2008, Sibande was appointed as principal and CEO, a role she served with exceptional distinction.
@african_reporter Community honors the life of Happy Sibande at the ECC campus in Kwa-Thema #ecc #kwathema #africanreporter
Under her leadership, Ekurhuleni East TVET College achieved remarkable milestones:
• She led the refurbishment of engineering workshops across all campuses.
• She spearheaded the establishment of a state-of-the-art call centre at Kwa-Thema Campus.
• In 2013, the college, under her direction, founded the National Foundry Training Institute.
• She facilitated collaborations such as the Toolmaking Training Programme with the Toolmaking Association of South Africa.
• She championed the Process Plant Operation programme focusing on paper-making and the Air-Conditioning and Ventilation Academy in partnership with Samsung Refrigeration.
Akasia Senoku, SRC president, said the day was meant to celebrate Sibande’s life and legacy.
“Miss Sibande’s leadership and dedication to our college has left an indelible mark. Her passion for education and commitment to student success inspired all of us in ways that words can hardly capture
“Each day we witnessed her unwavering support and incredible ability to uplift us, nurturing not only our academic growth but also our personal development,” she said.
Beyond the college, Sibande’s expertise and leadership were recognised nationally:
• She was appointed by cabinet as a member of the Human Resource Development Council of SA from 2013 to 2018.
• She served on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2020.
• She was part of the Reference Group for the Ministerial Committee reviewing the funding framework for TVET Colleges.
Her funeral will be held on July 25, at the Ekurhuleni East TVT College Kwa-Thema Campus from 09:00.
