Memoir of Dr Julius Qhude Nyalunga

Economist, Diplomat, ANC Stalwart, Husband and Man of Faith

Born in 1953 in Benoni, the third of eleven children, he grew up in Daveyton at 3507 Dungeni Street. Family, faith and discipline shaped his early life alongside neighbors like Reverend Elijah Hambisani Ndaba.

In the 1960s his family moved to Maduna Street. At Umlazi Commercial College he excelled as prefect and Chairperson of the Students Christian Movement. In 1976, after police persecution of his brother Phillip during the uprisings, they fled into exile.

He crossed into Swaziland, joined the ANC, and later studied at SOMAFCO in Tanzania before receiving a scholarship to Moscow’s Peoples’ Friendship University. Guided by Oliver Tambo, he earned a Master’s in Economics in 1986 and a PhD in 1989 focused on mining and manufacturing in a democratic South Africa.

He served the ANC in Tanzania and Lusaka, working with Max Sisulu on economic strategy. At Shell House in Johannesburg he worked with Trevor Manuel, Tito Mboweni, Derek Hanekom and Lesetja Kganyago to shape the policy foundations of democracy.

In 1994 he embraced faith at Oasis of Life Church in Daveyton and married Phindile Ndaba, daughter of Bishop Mano Theodora and Reverend Elijah Ndaba. Together they raised three children including sons Hlulani and Nhlamulo.

His career in democratic South Africa spanned roles at the Educational Opportunities Council, the Department of Trade and Industry and global postings in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Angola and South Sudan. He directed SMME policy and represented South Africa in international negotiations.

His legacy is one of sacrifice, service, faith and love in the great story of South Africa’s liberation and reconstruction.