It was with sadness that the Electoral Commission learned of the passing away of Dr Frederik van Zyl Slabbert on 14 May 2010.
Various persons and concerns have paid tribute to Dr Slabbert for his contributions in the political arena and the many other activities in which he was involved. The Electoral Commission would like to pay tribute to him for his outstanding contributions in the field of electoral administration.
Dr Slabbert co-chaired the task group that coordinated the first democratic municipal elections in 1995/96. Each province at that time was responsible for the legal framework that applied to those elections and the administration of each municipality for conducting the elections. It was a huge task to co-ordinate common time frames, common legal frameworks and the uniform application thereof in all municipalities.
The success of those elections is a tribute to his outstanding ability to garner cooperation and support from people representing diverse views and interests.
Dr Slabbert also participated in the activities of the steering committee which, during the period 1996/97, prepared for the establishment of a permanent Electoral Commission in July 1997. He further participated in the drafting of the Electoral Commission Act and his insights in the perspectives of those that administer elections and those that are elected were invaluable contributions.
In 2002 cabinet appointed Dr Slabbert to chair the electoral task team that would draft legislation for an electoral system as required by the Constitution.
The commission pays tribute to Dr Slabbert for his outstanding contribution in the development of electoral democracy in South Africa. Our condolences go to Dr Slabbert’s family and to those that were close to him.
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