VANDERBIJLPARK – Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Vaal University of Technology’s Desmond Tutu Great Hall last Thursday morning to pay their respects to Prof. Dan Kgwadi, the vice-chancellor and principal at the university, who passed away on Sunday, 30 April due to illness.

Leading the proceedings as the Master of Ceremony, Kediemetse Mokotsi, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, described the fallen giant as a people person who was devoted to God.
In the same breath, friends and colleagues of the late Kgwadi also described him as a humble soul whose faith in humanity never wavered.
Pastor Peter Maphanga said: “We are saddened and his passing came as a shock. Prof
was still young and we expected more from him. He got his education when he was still young and broke records.
“We have lost quite a talent. In his packed schedule, he had time for church and loved God with his whole being. We have lost, but I know there is a powerful answer coming from God.”
Giving tribute to a fellow friend, Prof. Raymond Mabuza said grief knows no boundaries.
“Whether rich or poor, this is all our route.
All we can do is ask the holy spirit to give us strength. To friends and family be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, and do not be discouraged,” he said.
According to Mabuza, Kgwadi used to register for classes and was willing to travel in the evenings without any inconvenience to attend them.
“Prof Kgwadi loved education, he was always driving his old Toyota Corolla to attend his studies late in the afternoon, for his evening sessions. Prof Kgwadi was a man of honesty, a man of his word. If he promised to do something, he deliverered, even beyond. Prof Kgwadi will always be remembered as a leader who valued humanity,” he said.
President of the SCR at the institution, Maanda Masendi said: “Prof in his term of office, is the first to have a braai with cleaners before his management. I asked him once, why did he do that, and he said ‘Cleaners are the ones who make us comfortable in this place’. This was a lesson for me,” he said.
The Great Hall was filled to capacity as many came to celebrate the life of a man who had made a significant impact on the university and the community.