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The late Professor Dovhani Thakhathi.
News - Date: 05 September 2024
The distinguished scholar and public-administration expert, Professor Dovhani Thakhathi, passed away on Friday, 30 August. At the time of his death, he was residing in Pretoria, having previously lived in Haraliphaswa, Nzhelele.
Prof Thakhathi was a former deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Venda (Univen) and also served as executive dean at the University of Fort Hare.
A family spokesperson, Mr Rendani Josiah Thakhathi, shared that Professor Thakhathi had been ill for some time, experiencing repeated hospitalisations. “We are currently finalising funeral arrangements,” he said. “There will be three memorial services: in Pretoria on Wednesday, 4 September; at Fort Hare on Thursday, 5 September; and at Univen on Friday, 6 September, starting at 12:00. He will be laid to rest at his home village of Haraliphaswa on Saturday, 7 September.”
Mr Thakhathi highlighted the professor’s significant impact, noting that Prof Thakhathi had mentored many academics, was a compassionate philanthropist, and a dedicated community leader. “His contributions to the lives of many will be deeply missed,” he added.
Prof Thakhathi began his career at the University of Venda on 1 April 1989 as a senior lecturer in the Department of Public Administration. He advanced to associate professor on 1 June 1994 and became a full professor on 1 November 1995, a role he held until 28 February 1997. He returned to Univen as deputy vice-chancellor from January 1999 to 30 June 2004.
He continued his academic journey at various institutions, ultimately retiring from the University of Fort Hare earlier this year. Throughout his career, he addressed conferences in more than 20 countries, chaired numerous boards, and served on various councils and university committees, including the Nelson Mandela Presidential Review Commission. His academic achievements were recognised with numerous awards.
He is survived by his three children, two sisters, and a brother.
Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.
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