By Fanuel Viriri
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dr Bongani Ndhlovu Yalala in a road accident in Namibia.
Dr Yalala, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Science, died on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
He was part of a NUST delegation in Namibia to witness the signing of the historic five-year Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Universities Consortium Agreement at the University of Namibia’s Katima Mulilo Campus. The agreement involves UNAM, KAZA TFCA, NUST, University of Zimbabwe and Lupane State University.
Another NUST lecturer, Dr Angella Chichinye from Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, who was travelling with him, was injured in the crash and is admitted in a Namibian hospital.
Dr Yalala was a distinguished academic and visionary leader who made history on 1 October 2024 when he was appointed the inaugural Dean of the newly established Faculty of Environmental Science at NUST.
His journey with NUST began in February 2016 as a lecturer in the Department of Applied Chemistry. He rose to become Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of the department in September 2020.
Before academia, he worked as a chemist for Goldstar Sugars Bulawayo Refinery and Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals.
A highly qualified scholar, he held a PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MSc from the University of the Western Cape, a BSc Honours in Applied Chemistry and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from NUST.
Just this October, he had graduated with a Master of Business Leadership (MBL) at NUST’s 32nd Graduation Ceremony.
In a statement, NUST said his passing is a profound loss to the university, the academic fraternity and the nation at large.
“His contribution to teaching, academic leadership and the development of the newly established Faculty will remain an important part of his legacy,” the university said.
Mourners are gathered at House Number 67, Athlone Avenue, Northend, Bulawayo. Funeral arrangements will be announced.
