A who's who of dignitaries, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Graca Machel, former president F W de Klerk and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel were among hundreds of people who paid tribute to activist and professor Jakes Gerwel yesterday.

Hailed as a man who "lived the values that he expected from the rest of us", Gerwel died on Wednesday following triple bypass heart surgery. His memorial was held yesterday at the University of the Western Cape, where he spent most of his working life.

His son, Hein, said yesterday his fondest memory of his father was playing cricket with him in the back yard.

"He was a big cricket fan and his advice to me was to always play it straight, whether in cricket or life. He also taught me his own beliefs, such as focusing on what bound us as human beings, instead of what divided us," he said, thanking everyone for joining "us to celebrate the life of my friend and father".

Manuel described Gerwel as a humble man.

"If I were to speak of Emeritus Professor Gert Johannes Gerwel, few would know who I was actually referring to. Just plain Jakes was adequate - never professor, Mr, sir or Dr - Just Jakes.

"It speaks volumes about the man, his demeanour and integrity," he said.

Manuel said Gerwel's style was devoid of any preaching or pontification.

He said that he would most miss Gerwel when times were tough and his "sharp and perceptive intellect and calm reassurances" were needed.

Manuel also read out a special message on behalf of Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel: "Jakes was part of our everyday lives for 18 years. He was a confidante, a son and family member to all of us. His wisdom and leadership will be sorely missed. He touched many lives, and it is difficult to find words to describe who and what Jakes was."

 Writer, academic and close personal friend Njabulo Ndebele spoke fondly of Gerwel, lightening the mood when he joked about his hairstyles.

David Kramer performed a rendition of his song So Long Skipskop in honour of Gerwel.

Tutu closed the memorial with a prayer, joking that he was only there because he had a hotline to "you know who".

Gerwel was the chancellor of Rhodes University and a former director-general in the presidency.

He was also the cabinet secretary during President Mandela's term in office. He sat on a number of boards and chaired the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.

Gerwel is survived by his wife, Phoebe, children Hein and Jessica, and four grandchildren.

Written by: Kowthar Solomons

Picture credit: Doug Pithey - Independent Newspapers

• This article was published on Sunday Tribune.