It is with shock and great sadness that we learnt today of the untimely death of Professor H Russell Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.
We will remember Professor Botman as a leader in the higher education landscape. He completed his doctorate in theology at the University of the Western Cape, where he also honed his leadership qualities as a student leader in 1976. He became the first black Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2007, and was reappointed for a second term in 2012.
Under his leadership the university has progressed along its transformation path of becoming significant and relevant to the people of South Africa and Africa at large,by repositioning itself as a more relevant and engaged institution, responsive to the broader societal and development needs.
Professor Botman was behind the university’s HOPE project, a science-for-society initiative launched in 2010, through which the institution worked towards eradicating poverty, promoting human dignity and health, entrenching democracy and human rights, strengthening peace and security, and balancing a sustainable environment with a competitive industry.
Professor Botman also led the institution towards a new strategy, the SU Institutional Intent and Strategy 2013-2018, which he had hoped would lead the university towards long term fundamental transformation, while maintaining the excellence that SU was known for. It is our sincere hope that the university will continue in this direction, opening up access, encouraging its staff and students to be critical and engaged citizens, and continue working towards the transformation goals that Professor Botman held close to his heart.
The Minister and Department of Higher Education and Training extend their sincerest condolences to Professor Botman’s family and the university community on their untimely loss. Professor Botman will be remembered for the passion with which he carried out his work and leadership prowess.
Enquiries:
Kefilwe Makhanya
Chief Director: Communication
Cell: 072 285 8662
Email: makhanya.k@dhet.gov.za
