UbuntuNet Alliance mourns the passing of Prof. Zimani David Kadzamira, its founding Chairperson of the Board, who passed away in the early hours of 18 September 2026. We remember him with deep respect and gratitude for his leadership and his enduring contribution to research and education networking in eastern and southern Africa.
Prof. Kadzamira became the Alliance’s first Chairperson in 2006 and served until 2013. His leadership through the organisation’s formative years helped establish a strong foundation for the regional network and sustained a shared vision: connecting Africa’s research and education institutions with one another and with the wider global community.
Building the Alliance required more than infrastructure. It called for trust, cooperation and a common purpose among institutions across national and cultural boundaries. Prof. Kadzamira helped bring together members from diverse backgrounds, nurturing the relationships that enabled a young organisation to grow into a regional community.
During his tenure, the Alliance’s membership expanded from five founding National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in 2006 to 15 by the time he stepped down in 2013. He championed the development and strengthening of these national networks, recognising their essential role in supporting universities and research institutions across the region.
His contribution also extended to advancing regional connectivity and strengthening links between African NRENs and the global research and education community. As a distinguished ambassador for UbuntuNet Alliance, he helped build its relationships, standing and credibility, laying the groundwork for partnerships and progress in the years that followed.
For the members, colleagues and long-serving staff who worked alongside him, his passing is an occasion to reflect on the commitment that brought the Alliance into being. The organisation’s subsequent growth and achievements owe much to the vision and direction he helped establish.
As UbuntuNet Alliance marks its twentieth anniversary, we honour Prof. Kadzamira’s place in our history and the lasting value of his service. His legacy lives on in the networks he championed, the regional cooperation he helped build and the opportunities that connectivity continues to create for African research and education.
On behalf of the Board, management, staff and member NRENs, UbuntuNet Alliance extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and worked with him.
May he rest in peace.