KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said former University Of South Africa (UNISA) student Smiso Nkwanyana played an active role in addressing the struggles faced by the young students during his Nkwanyana’s 2nd Memorial Lecturer heLd at the Durban ICC.
MEC Buthelezi said Nkwanyana represented new hope for modern day South Africa .
Nkwanyana was one of the founding members of the first Unisa Students’ Representative Council (SRC), which was established in 1996.
He was a popular student leader with a strong and loyal following.
Unisa has named its KwaZulu- Natal region after Nkwanyana.
Durban also has a street named after Nkwanyana in Morningside.
Representing KZN Premier, Buthelezi said “Smiso Nkwanyana was not only a former UNISA student leader, but also the KZN provincial secretary of the South African Communist Party. His impressive list of accolades as one of the KZN rising stars. He understood that student’s struggles were deeply intertwined with broader working class and societal challenges. He championed the freedom of access to education as a means of emancipation, and as a tool emancipating old people from class oppression and exploitation”.
MEC Buthelezi said Nkwanyana followed in the footsteps of the late former statesman Nelson Mandela and the late IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi who both realised that education was key in transforming and liberating Black students.
He reminded the guests UNISA has played a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and young South Africans, leaving an indelible mark in the country.
“Smiso’s tools and analysis would have come in handy to enhance the value of each of our contributions to this new political epoc.
Buthelezi said the attendance of senior leaders at Nkwanyana’s funeral such as former KZN Premier Sbu Ndebele underscores the profound impact that Nkwanyana had on the SACP.
“Smiso’s journey in student politics was marked by an unwavering dedication to the betterment of others. His leadership in various student organisations demonstrated an acute awareness of the systemic challenges facing our society, and the status quo taking bold steps and never shying away from difficult conversations”.
Additionally, Buthelezi said Nkwanyana’s resilience and courage insperes everyone to strive for a low equitable country.
He said Nkwanyana’s advocacy for free education stems from the belief that financial barriers should not limit one’s access to knowledge and opportunities.
He tirelessly worked to uplift the marginalised and he ensured that their voices were heard.
He urged UNISA leadership to consider opening a satellite campus for the benefit of the young people residing in Obuka in Zululand where Nkwanyana was born in his memory.
Buthelezi told the students who attended the lecturer to “let Nkwanyana’s life be a source of inspiration. Remember that you have the power to make the difference. Your voices matter. Your actions matter, and your commitment to justice can shape the future, ” said Buthelezi.