We were shocked to receive the following information from Mzwandile Ginindza (RCN 2003 graduate, Ulysses’ first year):

It is with our deepest sorrow that we mourn the passing of our beloved Ulysses (Nkosingizwele) Zwane (UWCRCN 2002 graduate). Ulysses passed away on 15 July 2020 in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland); he was receiving medical care for a longstanding illness. After graduating from RCN, Ulysses spent about 10 years in Kwazulu Natal and completed a degree in Computer Science Engineering before returning to Swaziland.

Ulysses was an amazing father, son, brother and friend whose charisma and warmth touched the lives of those around him. He is survived by his eight year old son (Wamukelwe “Mooks” Zwane), his parents, elder brother, and younger sister. Ulysses dedicated his life to his family and the well-being of his son. Ulysses is fondly remembered by friends around the world, many of whom he met during his time at Red Cross Nordic United World College (UWC) in Norway and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

As we learn to live without him, we ask you to support us in celebrating his life, preserving / reinforcing his legacy, paying tribute to him and keeping his memory alive. Please consider one or both of the following:

• Share a short story that highlights how he impacted your life, as well as photos of him that you may have via the following address: ulysseslegacy@gmail.com. These stories and photos will be delivered to his son and family.
• Kindly contribute toward his funeral costs, settling the balance of medical bills and, most importantly, a fund for his son – Mooks, via this GoFundMe campaign

Ulysses’ funeral will be held in the Kingdom of Eswatini, on 25 July 2020.

Ulysses’ energy and determination were contagious, he was humble and he was the glue that brought many of us together. To a multi-faceted man of many names – “Uly”, “Zwele”, “Krotis”, “Sungu”, “Sungulo”, “Useless”, “Family”, “The International Superstar” – rest in eternal comfort. You shall forever be loved, cherished and dearly missed.

With heavy hearts,

Ulysses’ UWC friends, with his family’s blessing.

David Sengeh (RCN ’04-’06) is today today Sierra Leone’s Education Minister and we are proud to see him living the UWC mission in his personal and professional life. BBC News describes him as “a role model” while UNICEF declare that it is “great to see a leader – and a father – enjoying a family-friendly workplace. As COVID-19 disrupts life across the world, let’s ensure all working parents have flexibility, time and support to make the early moments matter for their children.”