Mlingani Matiwane (1996–2026)

9 September 1996–6 June 2026

It is with a heavy heart that I pay this tribute to Mlingani Matiwane. A neurodivergent spirit. Mlingani meant a great deal to a complicated and evolving community in a way very few people ever do. He was well loved and well connected across all sectors of society, and he will be remembered by those who experienced the unique love and radicalising change he inspired. 

An intellectual and activist force at UCT 

Mlingani’s legacy remains permanently woven into the history and physical landscape of the University of Cape Town (UCT). Arriving on campus in 2015 as an Allan Gray Scholar to study economics and psychology, he quickly became a definitive intellectual and activist force. As a central organiser in the student movements that fundamentally reshaped the educational and socio-economic landscape of South Africa, Mlingani stood at the absolute centre of the historic protests and structural imagination driven by #FeesMustFall, #RhodesMustFall, and #PatriarchyMustFall. 

His impact went far beyond resistance: he actively built institutional alternatives. He founded and directed the Free Education Research Unit, producing visionary, rigorous models for free, decolonised higher education. Furthermore, his leadership within the TransCollective fundamentally challenged the institution, driving critical programming and fundraising for gender minorities, clearing student debt, hosting art exhibitions, and pioneering vital community health and finance initiatives. UCT honours Mlingani not just as a former student, but as a historic architect of a more just and reimagined university. 

A pioneer in sustainable innovation 

A self-described behavioural economist breaking the mould as a black industrialist, Mlingani translated his visionary leadership into a remarkable professional career. He began as a project developer at the Pele Energy Group, before co-founding and serving as chief executive officer of Umbane Energy Investments. In this role, he led renewable energy projects across South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Tanzania, with acquisitions exceeding 314MW. 

He pioneered agrivoltaics, integrating solar generation with agriculture, and restructured a R25 million farming cooperative into a viable commercial model. Furthermore, Mlingani was a Commissioner for the DSTI Community of Practice, a non-executive director of Serenity Health Group, and an implementation partner across Centres of Innovation and Living Labs. His work advanced the democratisation of finance, governance and infrastructure, positioning him as a leading voice in sustainable investment. 

Foundations of leadership and early life 

The brilliant trajectory Mlingani commanded was rooted in a lifelong commitment to justice and excellence. Born on 9 September 1996 in the Eastern Cape, Mlingani grew up eQonce. He was the youngest child of Nompumelelo and Litha Matiwane, and sibling to Mandilive Matiwane. From an early age, Mlingani demonstrated a unique gift for seeing the world as it could be at its structural and existential best. 

His roots began in the church, where he was actively involved in street evangelism and preaching from a young age. He spent his junior school years at Dale Junior, thereafter attending Selborne College where he was elected deputy head prefect and hostel prefect in 2014. He achieved seven distinctions in matric and received academic and debating honours – the highest award Selborne confers –distinguishing himself as a prolific and respected member of the South African debating community before arriving at our gates.

A vibrant life remembered 

Beyond his truly exceptional achievements, Mlingani had varied interests. He derived great joy from understanding and thinking about the world through scientific and philosophical lenses. He was an avid cinephile with a particular love for big Christopher Nolan films, played the piano, and had a deep appreciation for all kinds of music. He was always up for a long, meandering chat with a friend. 

He carried unrelenting courage, warmth, energy, authenticity, wit, a contagious full-bodied laugh, and a love for Gqom. Generous with his love and wisdom, his unwavering friendship was an anchor and source of joy for those closest to him. 

Mlingani is survived by his parents, his sister, and an innumerable cadreship in a world measurably better and eternally grateful for his presence. 

Menze aphumle ngonaphakade Nkosi, umkhanyisele ngokhanyiso olungacimiyo. 

Uphumle Gamede, Cushela, Ngongoshe, Mfaz'obelede elenyisela ngaphesheya komlambo!  

Sizohlala sikuthanda Mlingani wethu.