"WE often forget the miracle of our transition, the fact that a country so deeply divided managed to negotiate a settlement and establish a democratic order, and establish a government of national unity and managed to establish national unity amongst the diverse, cultural, ethnic but particularly political groupings which we have in the country" - Jakes Gerwel, August 1998.

It is with great honour that I pay tribute to one of our great academics, politician and philosopher, Jakes Gerwel. He was a man who distinguished himself with the ability of great counsel and wisdom, and this can be endorsed by the likes of former UCB boss Ali Bacher and many more.

South Africans will be eternally grateful to Gerwel for laying a strong foundation and the role this giant played in the administration of a free South Africa.

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this great man, patriot and son of Africa.

Gerwel's political participation raised eyebrows and during the 1980 education protests, he was detained by police. In 1989 he and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, together with fellow teacher Franklin Sonn, were arrested during a march in Cape Town.

His early life's work was mostly as an academic in roles which included educational adviser to the SA Students' Organisation, as a lecturer, as chancellor of Rhodes University and as rector of the University of the Western Cape. He was also director-general in the office of former president Nelson Mandela and served as Mandela's right-hand man during his term of office between 1994 and 1999.

Compatriot, comrade, philosopher, professor, scholar or councillor are but a few names that can describe this quiet and ordinary architect of the liberation struggle. He has fought the battle, run the race and finished with distinction. Long will he be remembered.

ANC MPL Christian Martin, Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Bhisho

Source: The Herald