The KwaZulu-Natal education fraternity gathered in grief and remembrance last week as tributes poured in for Glendale Lindiwe Myende, affectionately known as “Dolly”, a respected Karanja Circuit Manager under the Umlazi District whose life was defined by courage, discipline, faith and an unwavering commitment to education.
Myende passed away on Saturday, 2 May after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy that stretched far beyond classrooms and lecture halls into churches, communities and the countless lives she touched throughout decades of dedicated service.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education honoured her in a public tribute notice ahead of her memorial and funeral services, recognising her immense contribution to education leadership within the province.
Her memorial service was held at Wingen Heights Secondary School on Thursday, 7 May followed by her funeral service at St Kizito Parish in Kwandengezi the next day, where mourners gathered to celebrate the life of a woman many described as fearless, graceful and deeply compassionate.
Speaking during the funeral programme, her sister, Thokozami Xulu, reflected emotionally on Myende’s remarkable strength, saying even illness never robbed her of her dignity.
“My sister had a way that she would carry herself even when she was not well. She walked in a certain way, she talked in a certain way, she could laugh in a certain way,” she said.
“Even when she was not well, she maintained the same demeanour. That is why maybe we did not know that we did not have a long time with her.”
Her words painted the picture of a woman who concealed pain behind poise, continuing to inspire confidence and calm in those around her despite her declining health.
Xulu also shared touching memories of their childhood, recalling how Myende stood out even as a young girl.
“We shared a lot of things. We went to the same schools and grew up very close to each other. She was always someone I could talk to,” she said.
Lifelong friend Thizani Dlungwana, who met Myende during their college years, described her as bold, outspoken and impossible to ignore.
“She was confident and she was not afraid to speak out,” Dlungwana said.
The friendship later grew into a close bond between their families, strengthened through years of visits, celebrations and shared memories.
“Our families bonded. Her parents would make an effort to visit my parents because we were such close friends,” she recalled.
Dlungwana said one of Myende’s defining qualities was the fearless manner in which she approached life.
“She was very brave. She approached life with no fear,” she said.
Friends remembered Myende as someone who valued relationships deeply and carried herself with honesty, loyalty and sincerity.
“We never quarrelled as friends. In every season of life, we allowed each other space, but whenever we met again, it was as if nothing had changed,” Dlungwana added.
Born on 22 December 1964, Myende’s pursuit of education never ceased. She studied at several institutions, including the University of Transkei, Indumiso College of Education, University of South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Regent Business School and the Durban University of Technology.
At the time of her passing, she was pursuing her PhD — a final reflection of a woman whose passion for knowledge and self-development never faded.
Her professional journey saw her serve at several schools before rising through the ranks of the Department of Education to become a respected circuit manager.
Colleagues described her as firm yet compassionate, disciplined yet approachable — an education leader who believed deeply in empowering both teachers and learners.
Outside of education, Myende was remembered as a devoted church member whose faith guided every aspect of her life.
As hymns echoed through the church and mourners gathered to bid their final farewell, one message remained constant throughout the tributes: Myende was far more than an education official. She was a mentor, a sister, a friend and a mother figure — a fearless woman whose presence commanded respect and whose absence will be felt for years to come.
