Late anti-apartheid giant Professor Jakes Gerwel has been honoured in Cape Town on Saturday.
Gerwel was once the Vice Chancellor at the University of the Western Cape and a Director General in the Nelson Mandela Presidency.
Internationally acclaimed author Achmat Dangor is also expected to deliver the Jakes Gerwel Memorial lecture under the theme – Imagining post-apartheid futures.
Jakes Gerwel was described as a humble leader, academic and businessman of note. His life was celebrated in a variety of ways which included art, music, literature and film. A number of debates and lectures were also held throughout the day
Gerwel is known for leading from the back but well known photographer Rashid Lombard managed to capture the late Professor in critical moments in the volatile 1980’s.
Photographer Rashid Lomard says “out of the vast archives, I tried to find him in certain places and as you can see he is there but the caption is about the moment in time. I think it’s so important because these moments only come once and if it’s not captured its gone. That’s why I always tell people use your camera and capture a moment in time be it of family or children. So this is my tribute to him and I will donate it to his wife Phoebe and this will go to his home and foundation in his house in Somerset East.”
While Gerwel is remembered for his impeccable work in the political realm and in society, to his family he was a loving husband and father.
Jakes’ son, Hein Gerwel says, “As far as I can remember him, to me the greatest part was just about being able to talk to him about what was going on in the world and just share life and talk about cricket. That was our greatest bond.”
Gerwel died in November 2012 but his legacy and the immense contribution he played in society lives on.
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