By Phenyo Selinda
The South African academic community has been struck by the profound loss of Professor Brian O’Connell, a luminary in higher education and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC). O’Connell, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 77, is remembered for his indelible contributions to education in South Africa, particularly during the country’s transformative years following the end of apartheid.
A Visionary Leader at UWC
Professor O’Connell served as the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of UWC from 2001 to 2014, a period marked by substantial challenges and significant achievements. Taking the helm at a time when UWC was grappling with financial distress, staff retrenchments, and the looming threat of an institutional merger, O’Connell’s leadership was instrumental in steering the university through these tumultuous times. He was a pivotal figure in resisting the merger with Peninsula Technikon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology), advocating for the preservation of UWC’s identity and independence.
Under his guidance, UWC emerged as a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, shedding its history of marginalisation. O’Connell was lauded for his role in repositioning the university as a hub of academic excellence and social justice. He championed the construction of the university’s ambitious Science Building, securing funding despite the broader decline in fiscal support for university infrastructure across the country.
UWC’s current Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, described O’Connell as a visionary who brought hope and renewal to a despondent campus. Pretorius highlighted O’Connell’s belief that a university should be a space for growth, knowledge creation, and social change—a philosophy that defined his tenure and continues to influence UWC’s trajectory.
A Legacy of Social Justice and Education
Professor O’Connell’s commitment to education and social justice extended beyond UWC. He was a staunch advocate for progressive education as a public good, championing equality and social justice throughout his career. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and the prestigious Commander of the Order of Leopold II from the Belgian government for his contributions to global higher education.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, expressed his shock and sadness at O’Connell’s passing, calling him an “illustrious educationist and higher education leader” whose passion for social justice was deeply rooted in his experiences as a student activist at UWC during the 1960s. Nzimande praised O’Connell for his unwavering commitment to advancing education and social equity in South Africa, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Tributes Pour In
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from across the country. Many recalled O’Connell’s humble and approachable nature, despite the pressures of leading a major university during a period of significant transformation. Former colleagues and students shared fond memories of his time at UWC, highlighting his dedication to fostering a sense of community on campus. O’Connell was known for his personal interactions with students and staff, often seen walking around campus, engaging with those he encountered.
Among the many who paid tribute was Bill from Fish Hoek, who reminisced about their time working together at Pentech. He described O’Connell as an exceptionally intelligent and kind-hearted man, whose leadership was both inspiring and effective. Desmond from Heathfield, a fellow UWC student from the 1960s, reflected on their shared experiences during their formative years, noting the sadness of seeing a peer pass away.
On social media platform X, users from various walks of life echoed these sentiments, with many expressing their condolences to O’Connell’s family and the broader UWC community. The university itself announced that its flag would be flown at half-mast in his honour, a testament to the profound impact he had on the institution and its people.
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