Tributes have been pouring in since it came to light early Thursday morning that a former minister in the presidency had died.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) says he, South Africa, the entire African continent and the world mourns Dr. Essop Pahad’s death.
“He was a man with an awe-inspiring and intimidating intellect who, along with the people of his generation, was steadfast in his principles and values,” says the university in a statement
The political party Rise Mzansi says Pahad was someone who understood the role of the government, as well as the responsibility that South Africans have to build a prosperous nation.
During a parliamentary budget debate at the time, Pahad said that South Africans’ search for a better life “requires that everyone put their shoulder to the wheel – all of us as partners in transforming our society into one that cares”.
Pahad served from 1999 to 2008 under ex-pres. Thabo Mbeki served as minister in the presidency.
Shortly after he retired as an active member of the cabinet, he started a Pan-African quarterly magazine called The Thinker start. This magazine publishes peer-reviewed articles with well-composed opinion pieces.
“We are proud that UJ are now the publishers and owners of this magazine and that Pahad did not hesitate to approach UJ during the negotiations,” says prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice Chancellor of UJ.
He added that the university could always count on Pahad to participate in seminars and debates.
Over the next few weeks, UJ’s Center for African-China Studies will publish the memoirs of Pahad, as well as his life’s work of almost 500 pages.
“We wish his family strength and courage during this difficult time and may his soul rest in peace.”
