Machel praises ‘national treasure’ Bongani Mayosi
Buckling under the loss of its health sciences dean‚ Professor Bongani Mayosi‚ the University of Cape Town community has been grappling with who, or what, might be to blame.
The nature of his death – a suicide six days ago – has in many ways eclipsed the loss of a legend.
The university’s chancellor‚ Graça Machel‚ steered clear of these conversations and went to the heart of the tragedy: the immeasurable loss of a national treasure.
In a letter of condolence to vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng‚ she said: “I was shocked to learn that such a brilliant researcher‚ cardiologist and dedicated member of our academic community had been taken from us so unexpectedly.
“He made an indelible mark with his youthful and dynamic leadership as dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences here at UCT‚ and his sharp intellect and dedication to his students will not be soon forgotten.”
With no reference to the debates about the effects of #FeesMustFall protests, and the culture of the institution itself‚ on Mayosi’s mental health‚ she went on to highlight his outstanding achievements.
“As a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa‚ a former president of the College of Physicians of South Africa‚ and an A-rated National Research Foundation researcher‚ with specialty in rheumatic fever‚ tuberculosis pericarditis and cardiomyopathy‚ he was an incredible asset to not only UCT but the broader academic‚ medical and scientific circles of South Africa‚” said Machel.
“A recipient of South Africa’s highest honour‚ the Order of Mapungubwe‚ Professor Mayosi was a shining star and one that we can all be proud to call our own.”
She called on SA to focus on the inspirational nature of his work and leadership skills and on the future‚ rather than aspects of the past that might have contributed to his demise.
● President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special provincial official funeral for Mayosi. Special provincial official funerals are designated for distinguished persons in SA.
Ramaphosa instructed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in the Western Cape on Saturday, when the funeral will be held in Cape Town.