MOURNING ERIC SIBANDA

Sir,

Again the intrepidly cold and bold, daring, reckless, arrogant enemy of humanity has struck the Department of African Languages and Literature of the University of Swaziland.

On this occasion, its wicked hands did us an irreparable damage which is permanent. It has snatched away our humble but brilliant, amiable, creative, hard-working professor; Eric Sibanda, from us in a shocking manner. We are all aware of death’s recklessness, yet we raise our heads with pride, as the faithful children of God who believe in His holiness, the resurrection of Jesus and His superior power over all mundane activities and interests of this wicked world.

When one of my former students at UNISWA told me of Sibanda’s demise, I screamed so loud; out of obvious disbelief. Well, I did not scream because I thought he was too young to answer the call of his Maker but rather too endowed. I thought upcoming Swazi scholars and his students at UNISWA who have always had him as a role model still had a lot to learn from him before finally joining his ancestors.

I am deeply and poignantly distressed by the demise of this erudite linguist who had become my close associate and brother even after leaving UNISWA. The sudden passing of Sibanda will remain one of my greatest personal losses of a loving, unassuming and brilliant colleague.  I was privileged to work closely with Eric as a colleague for more than eight years. In him, we lost a regal heritage of wisdom and learning. We lost a gem of intellection, knowledge and excellence. For students of African Languages and Literature at UNISWA, it is a storm in the yuletide. 

It was Benjamin Franklin who said; “If you would not want to be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Sibanda, you have not just written things worth reading to always be remembered with, but you have also done a lot worth writing about. You really are one of the few people who will be smiling in their graves while those of us around will be crying for you.

Sibanda, it is my fervent prayer that, as you are having your everlasting rest with your Maker, may your departure inspire and motivate Swazis to develop greater love for their language; siSwati, this should be their way of honouring you. When you reach the land of the silent world, greet our former colleagues G N Mamba and Professor Ogunleye who came before you. Tell them we are sad.

Sibanda, instead of just mourning you, some of us will also celebrate you. May your gentle soul find peace with the good Lord in Heaven; and if you find pen and paper there, please still write those short stories for those of us who will one day join you, to come read and still enjoy. You have really been the man of the people.

Dear Sir, the space I have here is not just enough to contain all the songs to sing about you! Scholars will miss you; your family will miss you; UNISWA will miss you; your students will miss you; Swaziland and the world are missing you already!

Enongene M Sone, PhD
Department of Arts (English)
Walter Sisulu University

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