A TRIBUTE TO OUR GREAT PATRON DR ABE NKOMO
It is with deep sadness and a sense of collective loss that we announce the passing of one of our patrons, Dr Abe Nkomo. Dr Nkomo was a founding member of Kagiso Trust and succeeded the late Dr Beyers Naude as Chairperson of the board until 1994, when he joined the National Assembly.
A passionate and tireless champion for social change, Dr Nkomo played an enormous role in deepening democracy. His resilience in fighting the injustices of the apartheid government will forever remain in our hearts and Kagiso Trust’s history.
His support was manifold — both intellectual and personal. As we celebrate our 36th year milestone achievements, Dr Nkomo was, in every sense of the word, our patron, devotedly sharing his wisdom and providing a light to guide Kagiso Trust’s growth and success.
His belief in building a prosperous, peaceful, equitable and just society saw us through many tough days. Dr Nkomo was larger than life. We remember him as ever humble and always gentle. His commitment to the poor and marginalised saw him living in Atteridgeville until the very end. He was a man of character who lived by high moral standards, and we know that his loss is felt in the same way in many other organisations he supported and worked with.
Dr Nkomo was one of the most admired physicians in South Africa and the African continent, and was honoured with the esteemed Nelson Mandela Health Award. He was an active community leader in the health and wellness field. The honourable Dr Nkomo also served as a Member of the National Assembly, where he was Chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee. He also served as Ambassador to
Malaysia and Canada.