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On a beautiful sunny day, Saturday, 25 October 2025, Mqwangweni village near Ngqeleni was filled with celebration and remembrance. The United Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Nyandeni Circuit, hosted an event to honour the late Zuko Nqeketo, a true son of the soil whose life in education left an indelible mark.
Born to Mayoyo and Nophumzile (Sdoki) Nqeketo, Zuko grew up in Mqwangweni and, through dedication and sacrifice, put his home village on the map in the field of education and beyond. When his life was cut short by Covid-19 in 2020 at the age of 49, he was serving as Deputy Chief Education Specialist at the provincial head office in Bhisho — after years as a teacher, head of department, and school principal.
To many young people from his village and beyond, Zuko was more than an educator — he was a mentor, advocate, and bridge-builder. He supported learners financially, helped them secure tertiary placements, and connected them with internships and jobs. His generosity extended beyond education. Before his passing, he donated a large piece of land he had earmarked for business purposes to the church, under Bishop Songezo Timothy Mqhayi, to help them finally have a permanent place of worship.
On this October Saturday, the community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Zuko Nqeketo Memorial Hall. Among the large crowds were education administrators such as Dr. Bongie Peyana (District Director), traditional leaders, teachers, congregants from different denominations, learners from Nqeketo S.P.S., Dalukhanyo S.P.S., and Mphathiswa S.P.S., media, villagers, and the extended Nqeketo family.
The day featured cultural dances, musical performances, and praise poetry, including a stirring recital by renowned imbongi Bulelani Zantsi. Speaker after speaker praised Zuko’s giving heart, leadership, and educational legacy.
A key moment was the unveiling of a memorial plaque bearing Zuko’s name and a stone affixed to the church wall describing the land he donated.
The guest of honour, Mr. Ayanda Nqeketo — Zuko’s younger brother, a medical anthropologist, businessman, and founder of Ikamva Lesizwe Institute — delivered a moving memorial lecture. Quoting Maya Angelou’s words, “If you learn, teach,” Ayanda urged everyone to share knowledge and guide others positively:
“Teach others. Teach everywhere and every time there is an opportunity — and teach good things, not bad things like drug use that is destroying our children.”
He shared stories of Zuko’s quiet strength and advocacy, often using his own money or influence to help struggling students. Citing Nelson Mandela, Ayanda reminded the audience that “as long as poverty, injustice, and inequality persist, none of us can truly rest.”
Zuko’s wife, Busi Nqeketo, described her late husband as “an activist, a visionary, and a fast, strategic thinker.” Their daughter, Yolanda, said she felt proud to see her father celebrated:
“He was not only my father but a role model, confidante, and helping hand to many. His legacy reminds us that true impact lives on through people.”
His son, Yomelela, expressed simple gratitude:
“Throughout my life, he was a great father.”
His mother, Nophumzile (Sdoki), was overcome with emotion, saying:
“Ndizive mnandi ngomsebenzi kaZuko obumhle ngokumangalisayo. Oko ndazalwa, zange ndiyibone into ebintle kangaka.”
(“I felt so happy about Zuko’s ceremony — it was truly beautiful. Ever since I was born, I’ve never seen anything so wonderful.”)
Bishop Mqhayi added that the church’s future programmes will honour Zuko’s wishes by focusing on youth and addressing social ills like drug abuse.
As the event drew to a close, the message was clear: Zuko’s legacy is not just one of education but of Ubuntu — generosity, service, and community upliftment. The day ended with a grand feast, befitting a Mpondo celebration of a great man whose name will live on through both brick and memory.
