Justice Laurie Ackermann (Cape Province & Worcester 1954)
Justice Laurie Ackermann (90) passed away in Cape Town on 25 May 2024. Laurie made significant contributions to South Africa's transition to constitutional democracy. Appointed by President Mandela to the first Constitutional Court of South Africa, Ackermann played a pivotal role in shaping human rights law and constitutional jurisprudence. His landmark judgments, most notably cases regarding human dignity and equality, have left an indelible mark on South Africa's legal landscape. In addition to his judicial contributions, we are grateful for his service as National Secretary for the Rhodes Scholarships in Southern Africa from 1988-2002.
Justice Edwin Cameron, who succeeded Laurie as National Secretary in Southern Africa, paid a moving tribute to Laurie at the Memorial Service held on 03 June 2024 in Constantia, Cape Town. Edwin’s eulogy is available here.
Read a tribute to Laurie Ackermann by Sandra Liebenberg at Stellenbosch University.
Prof Glenn Black (St Andrew's College, Grahamstown & Trinity 1966)
We were sad to learn that Prof Glenn Black (St Andrew's College, Grahamstown & Trinity 1966) passed away on 12 January 2024. Glenn was elected Fellow in English Literature at Oriel College in April 1978 and had been an Emeritus Fellow since his retirement in 2010. After retiring, he maintained his connections to Oriel, continuing on as Senior Tutor until 2012 and also staying in touch with former students and frequently attending college events. RIP Glenn.
SAARS has been informed that the following Scholars passed away in 2023:
- Ockert Malan (Paul Roos Gymnasium & Hertford 1954) (15 February 1931 - 14 May 2023)
- Tony Ardington (Eastern Province & Corpus Christi 1963) in September 2023 - Obituary: remembering a visionary leader and an industry giant with a heart of gold (sasugar.co.za).
- Richard Young (Diocesan College & Lincoln 1958) (05 October 1938 - 21 June 2023)
- Jan Perold (Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch & University 1968) passed away in October 2023
Their friends and loved ones remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Julian Ogilvie Thompson (Diocesan College, Rondebosch & Worcester 1953)
SAARS mourns the death of Julian, affectionately known as JOT, who died aged 89 on 11 August 2023 in Johannesburg, after a period of declining health. Julian lived a good, long, and fulfilling life, and was very generous to the Rhodes Trust. We will miss his presence at our SAARS events. Deepest sympathies to his four children, Christopher, Rachel, Anthony, and Katharine and their families.
Seán Day (South African College School, Newlands & Oriel 1974)
It is with great sadness that SAARS informs you that Seán passed away on July 27th 2023, after a long and valiant struggle with an ALS-like illness. He died at his home in the USA, peacefully, and surrounded by his family. Tribute to Seán: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/media/47746/remembering-c-sean-day.pdf
Eusebius McKaiser (South Africa-at-Large & St Antony's 2003)
On behalf of all at the Rhodes Trust, we are heartbroken to share that Eusebius McKaiser (South Africa-at-Large & St Antony's 2003) passed away on 30 May 2023 from an apparent epileptic seizure. He was taken from us tragically young, at the age of 45. A prolific writer and broadcaster, Eusebius was well known across South Africa and beyond for his astute political commentary, grounded in his academic training as a moral philosopher. Deepest sympathies to his partner, Nduduzo, their family and friends, and all who knew and admired Eusebius and his work. Tribute to Eusebius McKaiser
Eusebius McKaiser: Brilliant, cocky, unapologetically himself (dailymaverick.co.za)
Ben Rabinowitz (South African College School, Newlands & Brasenose 1953)
SAARS is saddened to inform you of the passing of Bennie Rabinowitz in May 2023. Ben obtained a BA (with distinction) from UCT, was awarded a SACS Rhodes Scholarship and went up to Oxford, receiving his MA Law there. He had been semi-retired from the property industry since 2005. He loved music and supported many cultural, educational and other charitable institutions. He initiated the successful campaign to save Oudekraal from property development, helped save Princess Vlei and led the campaign by SEAFA to save the Sea Point beachfront for the community. He received the Mayor’s Medal for Philanthropy, the Inyathelo Award for Lifetime Philanthropy, the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Sea Point and the Spectemur Agendo Award from SACS and in 2013, the UCT President of Convocation Medal. He was also on the board of the Cape Town Concert Series, Croxton, LEAP Science & Maths School, Musiquelaine SA and the Cape Jewish Seniors Association and a trustee of the Ben and Shirley Rabinowitz Cricket Trust. RIP Bennie.
Charles Simkins (Transvaal & Balliol 1970)
It is with great sadness that SAARS informs you that Charles Simkins died peacefully, after a long illness, on 08 December 2022. This followed close on the passing of his beloved wife Rae, some 48 hours earlier. Please find below tributes issued by the Helen Suzman Foundation and fellow Rhodes Scholar, RW Johnson (Natal & Magdalen 1964). RIP dear Charles. In memoriam Charles Simkins — Helen Suzman Foundation (hsf.org.za)
Charles Simkins remembered - OPINION | Politicsweb
John Kane-Berman (Transvaal & Pembroke 1969)
It is with sadness that SAARS advises that John Kane-Berman (Transvaal & Pembroke 1969) passed away on 27 July 2022. Deepest sympathies to his partner of many years, Pierre Roestorf, and his extended family. Tribute: The Hsf Remembers John Kane-Berman — Helen Suzman Foundation
Former Institute of Race Relations CEO John Kane-Berman dies (businesslive.co.za)