A genuine leader who knew people personally, recognised their potential, opened doors for them, challenged them to pursue excellence and always honoured his commitments - this is how family, friends, and colleagues remembered the late University of the Western Cape (UWC) Council member, Thando Mjebeza, at his memorial service this week.

On Wednesday the UWC community gathered at the Centre for Humanities Research in Woodstock to honour the life and legacy of the UWC alumnus, entrepreneur, mentor and philanthropist, remembering him as a man who not only achieved great success but dedicated his life to uplifting others. Mjebeza passed away on 23 May at the age of 50. 

Addressing the gathering, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, said the University is mourning the loss of a remarkable member of its community while celebrating a life characterised by service, excellence and compassion.

“Fifty years is too short for a man of Thando’s stature and vision,” Prof Balfour said.

Mjebeza’s relationship with UWC spanned more than two decades. He obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1998, followed by a BCom Honours in Information Systems in 2000 and a Master of Commerce in Information Systems in 2002. He later returned to the Department of Information Systems as a lecturer from 2001 to 2005, where his passion for developing young minds left a lasting impression on his students.

UWC Rector and Vice Chancellor, Prof Robert Balfour, with his advisor, Prof Shaun Pather, talks to Nwabisa Mjebeza, the wife of Thando Mjebeza.Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

As co-founder of Zimele Technologies, Mjebeza played a significant role in South Africa’s information and communications technology sector. Prof Balfour recalled receiving a phone call from Mjebeza earlier this year, during which he expressed his desire to make a donation to UWC that would have the greatest impact. He said that even in their final conversations, Mjebeza was not interested in recognition but was focused on understanding where his contribution would make the biggest difference and benefit the most students.

“He kept asking, ‘Where will this have the greatest impact? Who will it help the most?’,” Prof Balfour said, describing him as a man whose generosity was always guided by the needs of others.

Through Zimele Technologies, Mjebeza donated more than R3-million to upgrade computer laboratories at UWC’s Faculty of Natural Sciences and Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. He also supported student bursaries and the University’s Feed the Need campaign by contributing to efforts to tackle student hunger.

Longtime friend of Thando Mjebeza and former UWC lecturer, Dr Ricardo Harry, at the memorial service this week. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

For longtime friend and former UWC lecturer, Dr Ricardo Harry, their friendship began in their student years at UWC, where they spent countless hours debating ideas, questioning the world and imagining their futures. While they often had different outlooks on life, he described Mjebeza as an eternal optimist who constantly looked for solutions.

He shared memories of a friend whose presence brought energy and excitement to their student residence, from late-night academic discussions to humorous moments that remained treasured memories decades later.

“He was one of South Africa’s brightest young minds,” Dr Harry said. “He was a great CEO, a great father, a great husband and an incredible friend.”

Former student and colleague, Thomas Julies, described Mjebeza’s consistency of character as his most defining quality. Whether someone encountered him as a family member, friend, employee, client or student, they experienced the same genuine person who made time for people and honoured his commitments. He said Mjebeza had an extraordinary ability to connect people, open doors and create opportunities. His greatest gift was helping others see possibilities they had not yet imagined for themselves. “He believed in people before they believed in themselves,” Julies said.

Zimele Technologies Chief Operating Officer, Dilshad Ameer, said Thando Mjebeza trusted her with opportunities that helped launch her career. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

This sentiment was echoed by Zimele Technologies Chief Operating Officer, Dilshad Ameer, who also reflected on how Mjebeza’s belief in people shaped careers and changed lives. 

Ameer’s own journey with Mjebeza began at UWC in 2002 as a student in the Information Systems Department, where she first experienced his ability to recognise potential in others.

She recalled how, while still completing her honours’ degree, Mjebeza selected her to participate in an internship programme involving 15 students. When she asked why he had chosen her, his response became a lifelong source of confidence and inspiration.

“He said, ‘Because you are one of the best…. That belief changed how I saw myself,” she recalled.

Ameer said Mjebeza’s leadership was rooted in knowing people personally, understanding their aspirations and challenging them to pursue excellence. His legacy, she said, lives on through the many people whose confidence, careers and sense of purpose were shaped by his mentorship.

As the UWC community bid farewell, speakers agreed that Mjebeza’s greatest legacy would not only be the institutions he helped build or the resources he donated, but the confidence, ambition and hope he instilled in others. The challenge now, Prof Balfour said, is to honour his memory by living as he did – “opening doors, supporting those who come after us and ensuring that no one is left behind.”