In remembrance: Nicholas Nomumu Simane

Dear colleagues and students

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mr Nicholas Nomumu Simane (54), who passed away on Monday, 25 May 2020 following complications as a result of COVID-19.

Mr Simane worked at the Centre for Curating the Archive (CCA) at the UCT Michaelis School of Fine Art for over 10 years, where he maintained the exhibitions workshop and assisted students in both the CCA and the printmaking section of the school.

With his years of knowledge, he helped both staff and students with their exhibitions held at the District 6 Museum, the South African Museum and multiple other venues around the city. His skills saw him being solely responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the university’s outdoor sculpture collection, a task he undertook with precision and efficiency several times a year; a testament to his dedication to the arts.

With his infectious smile and good humour, Mr Simane would light up even the dullest days and he will forever be remembered as a person with unchallenged integrity and loyalty. His death is a tragic loss and his presence and warmth will be missed at the CCA and the Michaelis School at large.

He is survived by his wife Phindiwe, his daughters Sindisiwe and Nonzaliseko and his son Moses.

Details of the funeral and memorial services have not yet been finalised.

The university has reached out to offer support to the Simane family, and our heartfelt condolences go out to them and all who knew Mr Simane.

As we have seen from across the globe, COVID-19 is a terrible disease which causes untold pain. We urge everyone to please be even more vigilant and continue following basic protective and defensive practices to mitigate against the spread of the virus.

Sincerely

The UCT Executive

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