Pretoria - Government has expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the late Professor Jakes Gerwel. He passed away this morning at the age of 66.
Professor Gerwel, an academic and a politician, served as the Director General in the office of the former President, Nelson Mandela. He was the recipient of the Order of Southern Cross from Mandela, the Order of Good Deeds from Libya and Freedom of the Town from Somerset East.
His work also focused largely on academic roles which included educational adviser to the SA Students' Organisation, a chancellor of Rhodes University, and later as a rector of the University of the Western Cape.
Acting GCIS CEO, Vusi Mona said: "I am deeply saddened by the death of Professor Gerwel. He played a significant role in shaping South Africa's political history through his involvement in the Black Conscious Movement, led by Steve Biko. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased."
"Professor Gerwel will be solely missed by Government, academic circles, and South Africans at large," Mona said. - SAnews.gov.za
