THOHOYANDOU - The University of Venda for Science and Technology (Univen) joins thousands of South Africans, the Lemba Cultural Association, the academic fraternity and the Mathivha family in mourning the death of an academic pioneer and retired Professor Matshaya Edward Razwimisani Mathivha.

Prof Mathivha passed away on Wednesday, October 2, at his home in Shayandima. At the time of his death, Prof Mathivha was serving as an Executive Member of the Univen Council.

The spokesperson for Univen Mmbangiseni Masia said Mathivha would always be remembered and cherished even in his permanent absence.

In acknowledging his contribution to the development of African Languages and also encouraging the study thereof, Univen honored him in 2001 by naming the centre for African Languages after him – MER Mathivha Centre for African Studies.

Mathivha served as Vice-Principal at the University of the North for a long time until he retired. While at the University of the North, he was instrumental in efforts to establish the Unin campus in Venda, which later become the University of Venda.

"Univen pays tribute to Mathivha, who defied his age and continued to contribute to the transformation of higher education in this country," said Masia.

Meanwhile, the family spokesperson, Mr Masotsha Mathivha, a son of Prof Mathivha, said the family accepted his death as he "silently went away in his sleep at the age of 80 years and ten months. Our father did a lot to the community. He was the first to introduce Maths and Science at Mphaphuli High in the early 50's. He worked in Turf for more than 20 years and he was the one who helped with the formation of Univen in 1981.

According to him, his father also served in many committees like SABC radio, Education Advisory Board in Pretoria and also served as chairperson of its council until when he retired. "As a family, we are happy about his work," said Mathivha.

Mathivha said their father influenced them to study hard and achieve the best in life. This is the message he spread to the community at large where he also sponsored some in their studies from his pocket.

Prof Mathivha will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 12, at Maungani. His memorial service was scheduled for Thursday, October 10 at Univen.