We are saddened by the passing of Prof. Siebert (Bertie) Neethling. He passed on recently after a courageous battle with his illness.
On behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, staff, and students in the African Language Studies (ALS), I wish to express my sincere condolences to Mrs Vicky Neethling and the entire family on the passing of Prof. Bertie Neethling. My healing prayers go out to them and wishing them well as they deal with the passing of their loved one. We live in hope that time will heal them.
Dr Loyiso Mletshe, Chairperson of African Language Studies, pays tribute to him in the following narrative:
The ALS Department wishes to pay homage to Prof Neethling who served the then Xhosa Department, with humility and distinction. He was one of the eminent professors in the study of Oral Literature and a scholar of repute in the field of Onomastics – the study of names and naming systems (Neethling). He was a recipient of many scholarly awards in recognition of his insatiable contribution to the academic field, particularly, the isiXhosa language which he could speak fluently.
He has published extensively on Oral literature, Second language acquisition, and Onomastics. Prof. Neethling was one of those rare individuals who was deeply principled and committed to the cause without producing a whiff of self-righteousness. Despite his age and seniority, being a senior professor in the department, he always treated his colleagues with humility. Little did I know that I will be writing this note in the past tense on Prof. Neethling. One of his latest works that he personally brought to the department and autographed is titled Onomastics – A multidisciplinary field of study.
Prof Bertie Neethling served the University of the Western Cape for almost three decades. He was one of the pioneers who were instrumental in the establishment of the Xhosa Department in the mid-70s when UWC was still referred to as a Bush University. He retired from the University in 2010 after long service and subsequent to which he got an appointment as an Emeritus Professor.
He will always be remembered for his subtle sense of humour and his liking for indigenous languages and culture.
He is survived by his long-time better half, Mrs Vicky Neethling, three sons, and six grandchildren.
The ALS Department wishes to extend its deep sorrow at the passing of Prof Bertie Neethling. We know the Neethling family has lost a pillar of their family, however, we hope you will find comfort in the following bible extract befitting Professor’s life:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4-7.
Sithi kuProfesa Bertie Neethling:
UGQATSO ULUFEZILE
MAKAPHUMLE NGOXOLO
On behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, staff, and students in the African Language Studies (ALS), I wish to express my sincere condolences to Mrs Vicky Neethling and the entire family on the passing of Prof. Bertie Neethling. My healing prayers go out to them and wishing them well as they deal with the passing of their loved one. We live in hope that time will heal them.
Dr Loyiso Mletshe, Chairperson of African Language Studies, pays tribute to him in the following narrative:The ALS Department wishes to pay homage to Prof Neethling who served the then Xhosa Department, with humility and distinction. He was one of the eminent professors in the study of Oral Literature and a scholar of repute in the field of Onomastics – the study of names and naming systems (Neethling). He was a recipient of many scholarly awards in recognition of his insatiable contribution to the academic field, particularly, the isiXhosa language which he could speak fluently.
He has published extensively on Oral literature, Second language acquisition, and Onomastics. Prof. Neethling was one of those rare individuals who was deeply principled and committed to the cause without producing a whiff of self-righteousness. Despite his age and seniority, being a senior professor in the department, he always treated his colleagues with humility. Little did I know that I will be writing this note in the past tense on Prof. Neethling. One of his latest works that he personally brought to the department and autographed is titled Onomastics – A multidisciplinary field of study.
Prof Bertie Neethling served the University of the Western Cape for almost three decades. He was one of the pioneers who were instrumental in the establishment of the Xhosa Department in the mid-70s when UWC was still referred to as a Bush University. He retired from the University in 2010 after long service and subsequent to which he got an appointment as an Emeritus Professor.
He will always be remembered for his subtle sense of humour and his liking for indigenous languages and culture.
He is survived by his long-time better half, Mrs Vicky Neethling, three sons, and six grandchildren.
The ALS Department wishes to extend its deep sorrow at the passing of Prof Bertie Neethling. We know the Neethling family has lost a pillar of their family, however, we hope you will find comfort in the following bible extract befitting Professor’s life:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4-7.
Sithi kuProfesa Bertie Neethling:
UGQATSO ULUFEZILE
MAKAPHUMLE NGOXOLO
