He was Vice-Chair of Council and served on the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Trust as well as the Alumni Association Executive Committee.
Mr Gawe was the first black graduate of the former PE Technikon and graduated with a National Diploma in Industrial Administration (now Industrial Engineering) in 1980.
He worked at Goodyear South Africa for 23 years, his service broken by a brief stint as a Member of the Provincial Legislature. His political career also included being mayor of Uitenhage and regional treasurer for the ANC.
He held several top business positions, including chairing the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, co-founding Newport Projects (now Newport Construction) and serving as provincial manager at Maxima Global.
The University recognised Mr Gawe for his contribution to the University and the community with both a Council and Alumni award in 2016.
He remained a great ambassador for the University after his “retirement” from public office and continued to support some of the Alumni Association events, says Paul Geswindt, Director Alumni Relations and Fundraising.
“Cumngce Gawe was an example of dedication, commitment and a visionary having worked at Komani Hospital and studying part time to achieve his qualification at PE Technikon.
As a personal friend, retired Dean of Engineering, past university Council Member and Alumni Executive Committee Member, may I record my sadness at the passing of a giant who leaves a legacy behind that few will be able to follow.” Emeritus Professor Hugh Jeffery
Nelson Mandela University conveys its condolences to the Gawe family.