NMMU shocked by Botman’s death

NMMU wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Prof Russel Botman, who passed away over the past weekend. The news has come to us as a huge and unexpected shock.

His loss to his family must be immense and incalculable. South Africa has lost a talented and dedicated leader.

We also wish to extend our sympathies to the University of Stellenbosch (US) which he so ably led for the past few years. As rector, he led US through a bold, new, and sometimes difficult, process of confronting its history in reaching towards a more inclusive, multicultural and democratic world.

This challenge, which is common to all higher education institutions, remains germane and it is hoped that we can continue to emulate the example set by Botman.

Derrick Swartz, NMMU vice-chancellor