Liberation giant leaves a legacy
Alberts played pivotal role in the Struggle
Born: August 24 1937
Died: January 6
Funeral: Tomorrow, at Audrey Renecke Memorial Church, West End, Port Elizabeth from 11am
Burial: Papenkuil Cemetery
An intermediary at the centre of political uprising in the 1980s and a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Reverend Jacob Alberts has been hailed as a man who played a big role in the Struggle.
The respected community activist and retired clergyman died peacefully at his Hillside home in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.
Alberts, 80, was the longest-serving clergyman of the United Congregational Church in the district before leaving full-time ministry in 2010.
Pastor Betram Swartz, family spokesman, said Alberts’ leadership ability allowed him to serve both the church and the community in an outstanding manner.
“People across race and class sought his advice and trusted his judgement wholeheartedly. His role as a father, mentor and friend extended beyond the walls of his home and not only for his children – Louverne and the late Clarence – but to all. [He] was much loved and adored by many here and all over who entered his life,” Swartz said.
Alberts was born on Ebenezer Farm, 200km north of Port Elizabeth. He completed his schooling at the Spondu Secondary School in GraaffReinet.
In 1961, he made his calling known and entered the ministry through the Congregational Union of South Africa. The same year he started his studies towards a degree in theology at the University of Fort Hare.
It was there where his political mindset was shaped. Alberts met his wife Sarah, 78, 53 years ago.
MPL Christian Martin said Alberts was one of the Eastern Cape’s most revered clergymen. “In order to help lead people to realise their spiritual destiny, you have to meet them where they are in life. It is with this earnest approach that Rev Alberts has been able to reach the congregation and people from all socio-economic backgrounds and races,” Martin said.
Alberts played a pivotal role when he acted as an intermediary during political unrest in 1985, bus riots in 1990, and service delivery protests.
In 1985, he represented the United Congregational Church of SA at a Disciples of Christ gathering in the US and was awarded the Freedom of the City of Kansas. Alberts was also instrumental in the establishment of the community policing forums around PE’s northern areas.