The legacy of the late Reverend Dr Simon Gqubule as Rhodes University’s first black PhD graduate was honoured in the form of an award and memorial lecture.
The revered educator and theologian, who was born in Cookhouse but lived in KwaNobuhle in Kariega, was an influential figure in his community, the church, academic circles, and the liberation struggle, and played a huge role in advancing education as he committed his life to being the “chaplain” for many other students.
The qualified teacher was dedicated to uplifting the education of disadvantaged pupils, until he died in 2016 at the age of 88.
A special provincial official funeral was declared for him by former president Jacob Zuma at the time.
His passion and commitment to ensuring a better future for Nelson Mandela Bay youth through education saw him win the then Herald GM Citizen of the Year Award in 2014.
In keeping his legacy alive, Rhodes has established the Rev Dr Simon Gqubule memorial lecture and the student leadership award, following a proposal by the university’s division of student services and development.
The award honours outstanding student leaders committed to social justice, engaged citizenship and ethical leadership.
The award was launched at the recent memorial lecture, with the keynote address delivered by Dr Mamphela Ramphele.
Director of student services and development Dr Pakiso Tondi said the initiatives aimed to preserve Gqubule’s legacy.
“These initiatives aim to preserve his legacy by inspiring future generations of leaders to embody the values he stood for — ethical leadership, social justice, and a commitment to community service.
“The student leadership award seeks to recognise student leaders who exemplify collaborative, values-based leadership and champion social justice, while engaging meaningfully with the community, especially the Makana area surrounding Rhodes University,” Tondi said.
Gqubule was an exceptional figure whose journey took him from humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape to becoming Rhodes’ first black PhD graduate in 1978.
His life was a testament to the power of education as a tool for liberation, particularly for black South Africans under the oppressive apartheid regime.
Gqubule was the president of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Natal Midlands.
During his presidency of this movement, the apartheid government placed him under house arrest for two years, between 1988 and 1990.
In 1990, he taught Greek and the Bible’s New Testament as a visiting lecturer at Wesley College in Bristol, England.
He left the seminary at the end of 1991, after 31 years as a theology teacher.
From 1992 until the end of 1998, when he retired, he was superintendent minister of the Mount Coke Circuit and then bishop of the Komani District of the Methodist Church of SA.
He was honoured with the highest accolade that the country bestows, the National Order of Luthuli: Silver in 2016, for his excellent contribution in the liberation struggle and in the fields of education and religion.
In 2015, he was awarded the distinguished old Rhodian award for his dedication and contribution to teaching and learning.
Gqubule’s leadership extended far beyond education.
He was a formidable theologian and an advocate for black theology.
Some of his leadership roles included his presidency at the Federal Theological Seminary and his involvement with the SA Council of Churches.
HeraldLIVE
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