Dr Julius Qhude Nyalunga’s journey from exile to faith, service and leadership
Born in Benoni in 1953, Dr Nyalunga rose from humble beginnings to become a respected economist, diplomat, and church leader. His journey from exile studies in Tanzania and Moscow to serving the ANC and championing small businesses leaves behind a lasting legacy of courage, humility, and faith.
Dr Julius Qhude Nyalunga was born in Benoni in 1953 and was the third of 11 children. From early days in Dungeni Street, Daveyton, he grew up in a loving, large family and learnt valueslues of resilience, discipline, and community.
His parents valued education and sent him and his younger brother, Phillip, to study in KwaZulu-Natal. He attended Umlazi Commercial, Technical, and Vocational College, where he became a school prefect and chairperson of the Student Christian Movement (SCM).
He later pursued a BCom at Ongoye University. However, political turmoil soon changed the course of his life. Nyalunga pursued further education in Tanzania and Moscow, where he earned both an MSc in Economics (1986) and a PhD (1989).
His doctoral work focused on the status and potential of mining and manufacturing in a free South Africa. After the unbanning of the ANC, he returned from exile and found reintegration into South African society to be a challenge.
Financially, like many, he struggled, earning meagre salaries at the ANC headquarters. He later served in significant roles: as part of the ANC’s Economics and Planning Department; as a diplomat and trade representative in Europe and across Africa; as a director in various research and stakeholder units; and as an advocate for small and medium enterprise development.
Beyond his public life, he was a man of deep faith. His eldest brother, John ‘Special’ Nyalunga, introduced him to Oasis of Life Family Church, where he found solace and purpose.
He accepted Christ as his saviour in 1994, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. In the same year, he married preschool Reverend Phindile Ndaba, forging a union built on prayer, mutual respect, and love.
Despite his demanding career, he always prioritised his family, ensuring that his children received the best education and instilling in them the values of integrity, hard work, and faith.
Together, they raised a family grounded in Christian values and public service.
His passing, following that of his wife almost three years ago, has left a deep void in their family and the community, but his legacy of courage, scholarship, humility, and service continues to inspire.
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