IN MEMORIAM - Dr. Zandile P. Nkabinde

September 18, 1958 - April 18, 2026

Dr. Zandile Praxedis Nkabinde was many things, a professor, a scholar, a humanitarian, a devoted mother, a mischievous friend who could light up any room. Born in South Africa and trained at the University of Zululand, she went on to become a Fulbright Scholarship recipient, completing her graduate studies at Harvard University and the University of Utah.

Over her 30-year career, she taught at Central Michigan University, the University of Farmington Maine, and most recently as a tenured Professor at New Jersey City University, where she shaped a generation of special education teachers. She brought the lived experience of her native South Africa into American classrooms, and she spent her career championing the potential of every learner, regardless of their challenges.

“She brought real-world humanity into the academy, and she never forgot where she came from or the children who needed her most.”

In 2016, the prestigious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship brought her back to Africa, where she co-developed special education curricula at the University of Kabianga in Kenya. She spearheaded donation drives to support a residential school for children with impairments in rural Kenya, fulfilling a personal promise she had made to those children. A school in Kenya now bears her name. It is with this spirit of charity that we wanted to start this memorial scholarship in her honor.

THE SCHOLARSHIP

Keeping Her Legacy Alive in South Africa

Dr. Nkabinde never lost her connection to South Africa. In her honor, we are establishing The Dr. Zandile P. Nkabinde Memorial Scholarship to support South African students pursuing higher education, whether studying within South Africa or pursuing their academic journey in the United States, as she once did.

This scholarship is for the next Zandile. The young South African woman or man who carries curiosity, resilience, and a hunger to make a difference in the world.

A NOTE FROM THE FAMILY

Our mother believed that education was the one thing no one could ever take from you. She gave that gift to thousands of students over 30 years.

While we are devastated by her passing, we know this scholarship in her name will honor her life’s legacy. In lieu of flowers, we’re asking you to help us continue her gift of education. Please donate, and please share.

Warm regards,

Nandi (Nate), Siba, Samora, and Humphrey Magadla, and the Nkabinde family