Nzimande Mourns Passing of Former UWC Vice-Chancellor Prof Brian O’Connell

Minister Nzimande paid tribute to O’Connell, describing him as an "illustrious" educationist and a pioneering leader in both basic and higher education, especially following the dawn of democracy in South Africa.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has expressed deep shock and sadness at the passing of Professor Brian O’Connell, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC). O’Connell passed away on Sunday at the age of 77.

Minister Nzimande paid tribute to O’Connell, describing him as an "illustrious" educationist and a pioneering leader in both basic and higher education, especially following the dawn of democracy in South Africa. "The roots of his passion for social justice, equality, and freedom must have been planted during his experiences as a student activist at UWC in the mid-1960s and resonated throughout his extraordinary life," Nzimande reflected.

O’Connell served as Vice-Chancellor of UWC from 2001 to 2014, a period during which the university faced significant challenges, including financial distress and the complexities of the “merger” process. However, under O’Connell’s leadership, UWC navigated these challenges with remarkable skill, emerging as one of South Africa’s leading teaching and research universities.

His transformative leadership played a crucial role in revitalizing UWC, a historically Black university, by overcoming its history of marginalization and stagnation. O’Connell was instrumental in mobilizing resources, both domestically and internationally, to finance ambitious projects, including the development of a new Science Building, at a time when fiscal support for university infrastructure was in decline.

In recognition of his contributions to education, O’Connell was awarded the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2017. Nzimande lauded O’Connell as a visionary and charismatic figure in higher education, committed to promoting progressive education as a public good, and advocating for equality and social justice.

UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, recalled O’Connell's tenure as a period of significant change for the university, which faced numerous challenges, including staff retrenchments, financial instability, and a despondent campus community. In his inaugural address in 2002, O’Connell emphasized the importance of a university providing a space to "grow in hope, to create and share knowledge, and to inform the agency."

O’Connell’s leadership was characterized by his ability to foster trusted relationships with international universities, laying the groundwork for new partnerships and alliances. Pretorius highlighted that O’Connell’s legacy is one of passionate conviction, intellectual clarity, and engaged leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the university and society at large.

Among the many accolades O’Connell received, he was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of Leopold II by the Belgian government, in recognition of his contributions to the global tertiary education sector.

Professor O’Connell is fondly remembered for his humility, warmth, and dignity, even in the most challenging situations. His legacy of leadership, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Both Minister Nzimande and Professor Pretorius extended their heartfelt condolences to the O’Connell family, including his wife Judith and children, Amanda-Leigh and Bryan, as they mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and human being.