The second Dr Enos Mabuza Lecture gave clarity to how he understood education as the key to success.

The deputy minister of basic education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, labelled Dr Enos Mabuza as a true African visionary who opened doors for countless individuals, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations.

She said this in her keynote address at the second annual Dr Enos Mabuza Lecture at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) on March 26.

“Dr Mabuza shaped the future of many who once thought education was an unattainable goal, which was a deliberate and conscious decision by his government to support the impoverished, like myself. Such initiatives have established a strong foundation for functional literacy and learning, bolstered by efforts to enrol children in the early childhood development programme,” Mhaule said.

“Mabuza understood with profound clarity that education was the ultimate instrument of change, capable of transforming not only individuals, but society as a whole. His belief in the power of education to foster a developed and ethical state was evident in the tireless efforts he made throughout his life,” she said.

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The UMP’s vice chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, emphasised that the lecture is one of the flagship events established during the pioneering journey of the university.

“This lecture served as a platform to celebrate the life of Dr Enos Mabuza. As the university advances its vision to be an African one, a leader in the creation of opportunities for sustainable development through innovation, guided by values of excellence, integrity, diversity, collaboration, relevance, adaptability and inspiration. We are inspired and prompted to emulate great lives that came before our own,” Mayekiso said.