The Jakes Gerwel Foundation together with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will host the inaugural Jakes Gerwel Commemorative Lecture.

The lecture will honour the life of this remarkable scholar, leader, intellectual, activist, businessman, family man and friend.

It takes place at the UWC Main Hall in Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville on Sunday 1 December at 16:30 for 17:00.

The lecture for former President Nelson Mandela’s valued aide and friend will be attended by the Gerwel family, dignitaries, business leaders, politicians and academics.

Gerwel was Chancellor of Rhodes University, Distinguished Professor in the Humanities at UWC, and Honorary Professor in the Humanities at the University of Pretoria.

He was vice-chancellor and rector of UWC from 1987 to 1994.

From May 1994 to June 1999 he served as Director-General in the Office of President Mandela and Secretary of the Cabinet in the Government of National Unity. 

He was a non-executive director of Naspers and a non-executive chairman of Aurecon, Brimstone Investment Corporation, Life Healthcare and Media24.

He chaired the Boards of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and was vice-chairman of the Peace Parks Foundation.

The keynote address will be delivered by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the former Chancellor of UWC.

The evening will also see the launch of the Jakes Gerwel Foundation and an address by mayor Patricia De Lille.

A special announcement on the Gerwel’s legacy will be made at the lecture.

The event is open to the public and entry is free.

By Web Editor

Photo Source: nelsonmandela.org

Caption: Professor Jakes Gerwel with Nelson Mandela.

Article Source: http://www.tygerburger.co.za/105390/news-details/highlighting-the-life-of-a-legend