Professor Baijnath was a ‘mentor and scholar of note’
THE education sector is mourning the death of former Council on Higher Education CEO, Professor Narend Baijnath.
Baijnath served the council for five years.
Current Council on Higher Education CEO Dr Whitfield Green described Baijnath as a “consummate professional”.
He said Baijnath was a great friend and a supportive colleague and mentor, always willing to share his time, and always engaged and interested in the people he met.
“He will be greatly missed. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Professor Baijnath’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” Green said.
Baijnath was born and raised near the KwaZulu-Natal town of Tongaat and developed his love for reading as a child.
Department of Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande said Baijnath’s death robbed South Africans of one of the finest, most tireless administrators in post-school education and training and the SA National System of Innovation.
“His admiration of reading was a building block in his general interest for academia. Professor Baijnath was a mentor and scholar of note among his peers.
“On numerous occasions he demonstrated his deep understanding of both the educational and socio-political challenges affecting our post-school education and training. Not only did he illustrate his understanding, but her also provided written literature on his thoughts,” Nzimande said.
Commonwealth of Learning CEO Professor Asha Kanwar, said Baijnath’s death was devastating news.
“As the chairperson of the Commonwealth of Learning Board of governors, Professor Baijnath was always there for us as a wise ‘elder’, a supportive brother, and a passionate development professional, determined to make a difference in the Commonwealth. He will be profoundly missed by all of us at Commonwealth of Learning. He will forever be remembered for his warm spirit.”