By Thabisani Dube
BULAWAYO – The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is mourning the death of its Faculty of Environmental Science Executive Dean, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu Yalala, who died in a road accident in Namibia on Saturday.
Dr. Yalala, 48, was part of a NUST delegation attending the signing of a five-year Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Universities Consortium Agreement at the University of Namibia’s Katima Mulilo Campus.
The agreement brings together the University of Namibia, Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), NUST, the University of Zimbabwe and Lupane State University.
Another member of the delegation, Dr Angella Chichinye of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, was injured in the accident and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Namibia.
Dr Yalala made history at NUST on October 1, 2024, when he was appointed the inaugural Executive Dean of the newly established Faculty of Environmental Science.
He joined the university in February 2016 as a lecturer in the Department of Applied Chemistry and was promoted to senior lecturer and appointed chairperson of the department in September 2020.
Before joining academia, he worked as a chemist at Goldstar Sugars Bulawayo Refinery and Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals.
Dr Yalala held a PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand, a Master of Science degree from the University of the Western Cape, a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Applied Chemistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from NUST.
Earlier this month, he graduated with a Master of Business Leadership degree at the university’s 32nd graduation ceremony.
In a statement, NUST described his death as a profound loss to the institution, the academic community and the nation.
“His contribution to teaching, academic leadership and the development of the newly established Faculty will remain an important part of his legacy,” the university said.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 67, Athlone Avenue, Northend, Bulawayo.
Funeral arrangements will be announced.
