On 30 August 2022, staff, students, and friends of the late Mr Azwilondzi Mahada gathered at Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU’s) Central Campus to pay their respects at a memorial service held in honour of Mr Mahada, SPU Head of Campus Security since 2017.
Prior to joining SPU, Mr Mahada was an Investigations Officer in Campus Security at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) for 21 years, before becoming Operations Manager responsible for the general oversight of that department.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of SPU, Professor Andrew Crouch, met Mr Mahada during his tenure at WITS University already. He shared his fond memories of Mr Mahada, recalling: “I remember him as a quiet and respectful man. He always ensured everyone’s safety was a priority wherever he went. Thank you to the Mahada family for loaning us a man of this stature who has left a remarkable imprint in our hearts and memories.”
Acting HOD for Campus Security, Mr Lucky Khumela, remembered Mr Mahada’s infectious laughter and comforting aura. “He is not going to be buried with his great works but many of his lessons and the memories made will stay with us. He was respected by many, including students. Even at a time of unrest and riots, he was visible and, on the ground, ensuring each and everyone’s safety and security. For me, he was a brother, father, and a leader,” Mr Khumela said as he remembered his close friend and colleague.
Mr Mahada will be remembered as someone who was passionate about serving the interests of the university by ensuring campuses were safe for staff, students, and visitors. He believed in the power of education and lived up to that belief by taking up various career-development programmes in safety management, business studies, and project management.
His passing is a great loss to the university community, and SPU conveys its condolences to Mr Mahada’s family, friends, and colleagues.
