It is with deep sadness that Inyathelo shares the news of the passing of Professor Brian O'Connell, former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC). A visionary leader, an advocate for social justice, and a tireless champion of education, Professor O'Connell's legacy will endure far beyond the halls of academia.

Professor O’Connell was born in 1944 and grew up as one of seven children in District Six. His family had very little money but his father was passionate about education, especially when it came to his son. He became a Fulbright scholar, and earned two masters degrees from Columbia University. He then returned to South Africa and devoted the rest of his career to improving education in the Western Cape.

He was appointed Rector and Vice-Chancellor of UWC in 2001, at a time when the university was grappling with financial challenges and the aftermath of apartheid. Under his leadership, UWC was strengthened as an institution of academic excellence.

A key aspect of Professor O'Connell's transformative vision was the professionalisation of fundraising at UWC. UWC joined The first Kresge Special Initiative funded by the Kresge Foundation and implemented by Inyathelo from 2006 to 2010. Following this, UWC was one of four universities which mentored another, new group of universities during a five-year intervention known as the second Kresge-Inyathelo Advancement Initiative. 

This first initiative marked a turning point for the university, enabling UWC to secure significant funding that supported its academic and research endeavours, and strengthened its ties with alumni, donors, and the broader community.

A major achievement was fundraising for a R550-million, six-storey state-of-the-art Life Sciences building, with the financial support of Kresge, the South African government and private donors such as Atlantic Philanthropies, a major funder.

“Inyathelo was valuable to us. Because they could help us with some of our thinking and give us an insight into the techniques of engaging with people for money. They gave us ways to write, what to write, also the publicity, how you deal with it.”

He also appreciated that Kresge and Inyathelo “helped to restore our self-esteem. They chose to come to us. They chose to work with us. They chose to assist me with these buildings.” He said at the time: “They consistently bring us into the game, bringing us together and sharing things. So we’re much smarter and we’re far more respected and we’re far more professional.

“I’m being sentimental here, but I love Kresge. Without them I think we would not have been able to go and ask the country for R200-million, and I would not have been able to be as confident as I was.”

Professor O'Connell's leadership was characterised by his unwavering commitment to social justice and his belief in the transformative power of education. He played a pivotal role in positioning UWC as a leading institution in the global South, known for its research excellence, commitment to human rights, and dedication to addressing challenges facing society.

Presenting his keynote address at the 13^th Inyathelo Leadership Retreat, he discussed seven “human development challenges” that universities should champion. He emphasised the need for all people to develop a wise relationship with the world’s natural environment, and to understand that security lies in knowledge, partnerships and the ability to change.

Professor O'Connell will be remembered not only for his achievements but also for his humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the institutions he transformed, and the values he championed.

• Find out more about the Kresge Special Initiative at UWC.
• Watch Prof. O’Connell’s address at the Inyathelo Leadership Retreat 2013.
• Watch a tribute from UWC

Images credit: UWC Media