It is in the spirit of profound sadness that the Executive Management of REGENT Business School informs its stakeholder community of the passing away of the institution’s founding fathers, namely, Professor Yusuf Karodia and Professor Narendra Bhana.
Both these Intellectual Giants and Creative Thinkers passed away suddenly after a short illness. They will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. May their Souls Rest in Peace.
We trust that you will conjoin with us in wishing their families and dear ones our heartfelt commiserations and pray that God gives them the strength to overcome their sad loss.
Given their visionary acumen, in partnership they established MANCOSA in 1994 and REGENT Business School in 1998. Professor Bhana then went on to become the first principal of the school.
Their untimely deaths are a significant loss to South Africa and both of them will have lasting legacies through their distinguished contributions in the field of education and the indelible impact they made on the lives of students, staff, scholars, researchers, practitioners, families, colleagues, community and individuals whose lives they touched.
Both Professors Yusuf Karodia and Narendra Bhana were passionate academics, researchers, prolific scholars, humanitarians, philanthropists, community activists and warm and caring colleagues and friends. They were known for their enduring concerns for the indigent and aspiring students and their contributions to the critical issues of access, affordability and success in the higher education sector. These issues became their guiding light when they drafted the founding Mission and Vision Statements of REGENT Business School.
In academia, there is a saying, “We are all smart. Distinguish yourself by being kind.” Professors Karodia and Bhana were distinguished both by their brilliance, kindness and empathy. They epitomised passion and relentless commitment to excellence in their professional lives. They exuded positive and energetic personas and anyone who came in contact with them will readily testify that it was contagious. These Professors brought great enthusiasm to their work and just by being in their presence those around them could not help but be captured by their ideas and energy and be swept into that flow of thought.
Because of their Thought Leadership being around them was a joy. However, their positive influence did not stop there. No matter what, their kindness and thoughtfulness poured out into any and all of their day-to-day interactions. They were determined to make a difference in the lives of so many, and their commitment to the field of education speaks volumes to the type of individuals they were.
Their unexpected deaths leave a striking void in the lives of those of us who knew them. We will sincerely miss their smiling faces, great ideas and collaborative zeal. They not only wanted to learn about the unequal world we live in, but were eager to be the agents of change.
In the next few weeks and months REGENT Business School is planning a series of legacy projects, a memorial service, webinars and academic articles to commemorate, celebrate and continue the memories of Professor Yusuf Karodia and Professor Narendra Bhana as pioneers who were not just curious about the world, but who also wanted to make it a better place. We salute them!
Please check our Website and Social Media Platforms on a regular basis for further details about these scheduled events.
We humbly request you to keep Professor Yusuf Karodia and Professor Narendra Bhana and their Bereaved Families in your prayers