Lupane State University vice-chancellor Bhala dies

THE acting Vice-Chancellor of Lupane State University Dr Mclean Mackson Bhala has died. He was 60. Dr Bhala died on Monday night at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo where he had been rushed for a medical checkup.

No comment could be immediately obtained from his family but the LSU information and public relations officer Zwelithini Dlamini confirmed his sudden death.

"It is with a heavy heart, deep sorrow and disbelief that Lupane State University Council is announcing the tragic passing on of Dr Mclean Mackson Bhala, the acting Vice-Chancellor for Lupane State University," he said.

Dlamini said Dr Bhala had been synonymous with the institution since its inception.

"Dr Bhala started at LSU in 2004 when he was part of the LSU founding committee member. In the same he was elevated from being a founding member to being the director of LSU in preparation of the university's first enrollment in 2005," he said.

"Dlamini said Dr Bhala had been involved in the growth and expansion of LSU in the last 10 years when it started with its initial enrolment of 12 students to 3,500 students to date.

"LSU started with a single faculty, the Faculty of Agricultural Science which had 12 students and he has grown this institution. Now we have the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Commerce with students enrollment of up to 3,500," he said.

Dlamini said Dr Bhala's commitment to the institution saw him being promoted from being the director to being the acting Vice-Chancellor, a position he held till his death.

"We've seen him being elevated from being the director of LSU to being acting Vice-Chancellor, a position he held until his untimely death.

"He was an open minded person who would listen to the concerns of his subordinates. To many staff members and students he was like a biological relative," he said.

Dlamini said Dr Bhala was pro-development and encouraged his staff to pursue academic excellence.

"The sad thing is that there were no any indications that he was going to pass on.

"We were expecting to be having him tomorrow in the continuation of business. His fatherly and brotherly love created a conducive environment for every employee meaning any one could approach his office without any fear," he said.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Matabeleland North Ambassador Cain Mathema and Chief Mabhikwa from Lupane District sent their condolence messages to the Bhala family.

Ambassador Mathema said Dr Bhala shared a vision of turning the province into a modern developed city.

"We are saddened by his untimely death. He was in my office on Thursday discussing how to turn Lupane into a university city," said Ambassador Mathema.

Mourners are gathered at his house at Number 11, Brahms Road, Barham Green.

Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.