In remembrance
In remembrance: Siyabulela Mamve
29 December 2020Dear colleagues and students
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague Mr Siyabulela Mamve (44) on the morning of Saturday, 26 December 2020 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. Mr Mamve died in hospital due to COVID-19 related complications. He worked as a librarian in the Faculty of Humanities library located in Chancellor Oppenheimer Library.
Mr Mamve joined UCT Libraries on 1 July 2006. He has been described as a larger than life personality with a gentle nature and beautiful voice. He was held in high regard by staff, academics and students. He was recruited into the Humanities library in 2018 from the library’s circulation desk, where he had been a mainstay of that service.
“We sought to bring Siya into Humanities because of his knowledge across arts and social sciences subjects, particularly in music, languages and political studies, and for his deep cultural knowledge and love of history, which brought many students to his door. We also sought to bring him into Humanities for the depth of his character – his great warmth and approachability, a deep humanity and kindness and a boundless generosity of spirit. I will never forget how new students, or even matric pupils on library tours, would so instinctively gravitate to Siya,” said Humanities’ principal librarian, Alexander D’Angelo.
Another colleague described him as “a positive vibrant man who loved humanity and life, a man with ubuntu and a contagious smile. He was a counsellor who would listen to any story no matter how silly it sounded and still lead you to find a possible solution”.
Mr Mamve, described as a devoted and affectionate father, leaves behind four children – Khanya, Kuhle, Mila and Siziphiwe.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, 31 December in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. A virtual memorial service will be held on Tuesday, 29 December at 18:00 (Zoom ID: 817 1819 6432).
The university has reached out to offer support to the Mamve family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who were closely associated with him during the course of his tenure at UCT.
Sincerely
The UCT Executive
Visit the web page paying tribute to the late members of the UCT community.
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