“When Kamele ‘Oupa’ Seane’s loving heart grew weary, the Lord drew near and gathered His peaceful son into His embrace. God whispered rest to the one who wished only harmony for the world, carrying him gently into eternal light. Now free from all burdens, Oupa rests in perfect peace—his beautiful spirit held forever in God’s unending love.”

Kamele “Oupa” Seane, born on January 3, 1960, in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, was lovingly called to his eternal rest on November 10, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the cherished son of the late Montsho Stoefl Seane and the late Lenah Seane.

Oupa leaves behind his devoted wife Nongongoma, his daughter Lerato Seane-Subadan, and son-in-law, Justin Subadan and his beloved sisters Mpho and Maria. He is also remembered by a large circle of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, and treasured friends who held him close to their hearts. He now reunites in heaven with his older brothers and sister—Nicholas Seane, Magankisi Seane and his wife, Motshidisi, Whitey Seane and his wife, Ntswaki, Rapogiso Seane and his wife, Motlwa, Benjamin Seane and his wife, Meisi, and Makirileng Mtshali and her husband, Ephraim—who preceded him in death.

After graduating from St. Stephen’s Diocesan High School, where he also met the love of his life, Oupa was blessed with the opportunity to escape the brutal confines of apartheid and journey to the United States in pursuit of higher education. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, a Master of Public Administration, a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership, and achieved ABD status toward his doctorate.

He was a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated in Spring 1985 through the Upsilon Lambda Chapter in Jacksonville, Florida. Together with his 13 line brothers—affectionately known as The Renaissance—Oupa made a lasting and positive impact on the Jacksonville community. He embodied Alpha’s fraternal values throughout his life and remained deeply committed to the fraternity’s objective of ‘aiding downtrodden humanity in its efforts to achieve higher social, economic, and intellectual status.’

Oupa was a revered educator, mentor, and steadfast champion of peace, justice, and human dignity. As Director of the Intercultural Center for Peace and the Lufrano Intercultural Gallery at the University of North Florida, he dedicated his career to fostering dialogue, inclusion, and global awareness.

Oupa served the broader community as Vice President and Chair of the Port Elizabeth Committee of the Jacksonville Sister Cities Association. At UNF, Professor Seane taught courses in Race, Gender, and Politics, and Leadership in the Honors Program, inspiring countless students with his insight, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. In recognition of his exceptional contributions, he received UNF’s Soaring to Excellence Award in 2007 and was later honored with the Presidential Excellence Award for service far beyond the expectations of his role.

Even in his youth, he refused to let his voice be silenced in the face of oppression. Deeply committed to transforming pain into purpose, he dedicated his life to fostering leadership, diversity, and intercultural understanding.

Though his physical presence no longer fills our days, Oupa’s spirit still illuminates our lives. His influence echoes in the countless souls he uplifted. His daily wisdom reminded us that true leadership rests not in authority, but in integrity. His infectious laughter, often shared while making an incisive point, taught us that joy itself is an act of resilience.

May his memory always be a blessing. May we carry forward his legacy of love, compassion, education, justice, and his tireless quest for a more peaceful world.

In Oupa’s honor, the family kindly requests that donations be made through the Cathedral’s website to support its ministry to those facing serious illness.

The website is https://www.jaxcathedral.org.

The burial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on December 14, 2025, at St. John’s Cathedral (Parking instructions are provided below).

Following the service, his ashes will be interred in the Bishop’s Quarters of the Cathedral.

The family warmly invites all attendees to join them for a meal of fellowship in Taliaferro Hall immediately after the service. (The burial will be private, attended by immediate family; all other guests are invited to proceed directly to the hall.)

Robala ka Khotso, THOLO!

Lala Ngoxololo, Sthandwa sami!

Rest in Peace, our Dearest!

Several options are available for parking:

• - St. John's Cathedral lot is an unpaved lot at the corner of Church and Market, the entrance is at the back of the lot on Ashley Street.
• - The Diocese of Florida parking lot is located on Market Street.
• - Parking spots are available in front of The Cathedral School on Market Street.
• - Parking is available on the surrounding streets (meters are free on Sundays).
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The main entrance to the cathedral is through the wrought iron gates on Market Street. There is also an entrance facing Duval Street. A wheelchair/walker-accessible ramp is available at the entrance that faces Cathedral Park.

Please allow additional time for parking, as downtown traffic may be heavier than usual.