Remembering Nodumo Dhlamini

The African Science Granting Councils Initiative community was thrown into mourning with the loss of Nodumo Dhlamini, the director of ICT, Communications, and Knowledge Management at the Association of African Universities (AAU).

Her impact resonated globally, touching countless lives and institutions, as evident in the outpouring of condolence messages received by the AAU from around the world and the heartfelt tributes shared during her remembrance service in Accra, Ghana, on 17 May,” the association said.

Zimbabwe-born Dhlamini died suddenly on 25 April.

She was an integral part of AAU’s leadership team, representing over 450 institutions across Africa.

Dhlamini spearheaded the organisation’s digital revolution. She pioneered cutting-edge technology platforms, cultivated vibrant communities of practice, and championed influential projects, including the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) that continues to define African higher education’s future.

Her strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to excellence positioned the AAU at the forefront of continental educational transformation, bridging the digital divide across science granting councils.

Before joining the AAU, Dhlamini served as RUFORUM’s programme manager for Information, Communication, and Knowledge Management from 2009 to 2015, establishing a foundation of excellence that would define her career.

Beyond her remarkable achievements, Dhlamini’s true legacy lies in the lives she touched. Her compassionate heart, nurturing spirit, and unwavering dedication to mentorship inspired countless individuals to reach new heights.

Gift Kadzamira, director general of the National Commission for Science and Technology, Malawi, a collaborating technical agency of the SGCI, said: “We mourn with the AAU family and the entire SGCI over her untimely passing.”

“We will dearly miss a gentle woman of kindness who passionately dedicated her time to fostering knowledge management and ICT services across the divide of the science granting councils,” Kadzamira said.

The tributes from colleagues across continents painted a picture of a leader who seamlessly combined professional excellence with personal warmth. Education Sub-Saharan Africa Chair Patrick Dunne remembered meeting Dhlamini as someone “positive, decisive and warm—a bright light and so full of goodness.”

Martha Muhwezi, executive director of the Forum for African Women Educationalists, said Dhlamini stood out for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to advancing African higher education.

“Her collaborative spirit and warmth were evident in every interaction, and she built meaningful relationships with many across the continent. Her passing is a significant loss to the African academic and development community.”

Similarly, Emeka Iweala, Centre Leader, Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC) and (Africa Centres of Excellence Programme), said Dhlamini was a “true inspiration in her lifetime”.

“Her dedication to advancing ICT and knowledge management across African higher institutions of learning remains a remarkable legacy of contribution that many will benefit from and emulate,” said Iweala.

Patrick Okori, executive secretary of RUFORUM, said that Dhlamini left a lasting impact through her dedication and service.

Mahmoud Salem, AAU North African regional office, said her dedication, warmth, and inspiring spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

“She served with excellence and touched many lives through her work and kindness.”

International partners like Nigel Mongan, associate pro-vice chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Nottingham, UK, stated that Dhlamini visited the University of Nottingham in March 2024 as part of the executive team at AAU, contributing to the establishment of their formal partnership.

“She left a lasting impact on us here at Nottingham as someone who demonstrated professional excellence combined with warmth and kindness towards others, and who found much joy in life.”

Former acting deputy director general in South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, said Dhlamini was a remarkable leader and a tireless advocate for science, technology, and innovation across the continent.

“Dhlamini was more than a professional—she was a beacon of strength, a source of calm, and a wellspring of encouragement to every one of us. Her inspirational leadership not only advanced critical causes but also touched our lives and our hearts.”

The Association of Zimbabweans in Ghana said Dhlamini was more than just a colleague; she was a sister, mother, and friend to many.

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Written by Edwin Naidu