The Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela learnt with shock about the passing of the founding Executive Director of the South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE) Jennifer Glennie.
In a statement it announced through social media that the sad news of her passing away happened on Tuesday.
“It is with deep sorrow and profound shock that we announce the untimely passing of Dr Jennifer Anne Glennie on 2 December 2025 in a tragic car accident,” the statement reads.
Manamela extended his deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Glennie’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire higher education sector.
He said that her passing represents a significant loss to our country.
“Ms Glennie was a visionary leader whose lifelong passion for education, particularly in distance learning, has left an indelible mark. From the dark days of apartheid, her work was steadfastly committed to expanding access, equity, and justice in education. She was a pioneering force in developing contextually appropriate, activity-based learning materials and innovative student support mechanisms that transformed the landscape of South Africa’s distance education,” he said.
Manamela said her exceptional contributions were far reaching.
“She played a key role in shaping the national higher education architecture, including leadership in establishing the Council on Higher Education, a two-decade contribution to the Council of the University of South Africa (Unisa), and representing South Africa on the Commonwealth of Learning. She was also instrumental in the founding of Sol Plaatje University,” he said.
Manamela further said that Glennie was at the forefront of promoting Open Educational Resources (OER), to create meaningful educational opportunities for poor and marginalised groups.
“The higher education sector would not be what it is today without the dedication of pioneers like Jennifer Glennie. Her deep love for the people of this country and her abhorrence for injustice touched and improved many lives. Her role in expanding access to higher education for Africans and her legacy will continue to inspire us,” said Manamela.