Chronicle Reporter
A DARK cloud has descended on the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) following the tragic and untimely passing of the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science, Dr Bongani Ndhlovu Yalala.
Dr Yalala (48) died in a road traffic accident in Namibia today, Saturday.
He was part of a NUST delegation that had travelled to witness the signing of the historic five-year Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Universities Consortium Agreement at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Katima Mulilo Campus. The agreement involves UNAM, KAZA TFCA, and several regional institutions, including NUST, the University of Zimbabwe, and Lupane State University.
Dr Angella Chichinye, a Lecturer in Forest Resources and Wildlife Management who was travelling with Dr Yalala, sustained injuries in the crash and has been admitted to a hospital in Namibia.
Dr Yalala was a distinguished academic and a visionary leader who made history on 1 October 2024 when he was appointed the inaugural Dean of the newly established Faculty of Environmental Science.
His journey with NUST began in February 2016 as a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Chemistry. Known for his exceptional work ethic, he rose to become a Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of the department in September 2020. Before entering academia, he lent his expertise to the industry, working as a chemist for Goldstar Sugars Bulawayo Refinery and Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals.
A highly qualified scholar, Dr Yalala held a PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MSc from the University of the Western Cape. He was also a proud NUST alumnus, holding a BSc Honours in Applied Chemistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from the institution. Demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning, he had just graduated with a Master of Business Leadership (MBL) at NUST’s 32nd Graduation Ceremony this October.
In a statement, NUST’s Communication and Marketing department described his passing as a profound loss to the university, the academic fraternity, and the nation at large.
“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, extending heartfelt condolences to the Yalala family.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 67, Athlone Avenue, Northend, Bulawayo. Further funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
