President saddened by death of Boraine

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the death of Dr Alex Boraine, former vice-chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and co-founder of the Institute for a Democratic Alternative in South Africa.

Boraine, a lawyer and theologian, died on December 5 at his home in Cape Town after a long illness.

He is credited with having proposed the formation of the TRC and is widely respected for the role he played as an MP for the Progressive Party between 1974 and 1986 in opposing the apartheid government and seeking ways to achieve a peaceful dismantling of the system of racial discrimination and oppression.

Boraine’s passing fills us with sadness but also with inspiring memories of the role he played in a hostile political setting and era to confront South Africans who were in support or denial of apartheid, with the realities of this immoral, unjust system.

Boraine’s passing in our month of reconciliation should inspire all of us as South Africans to commit ourselves to non-racism and the building of an inclusive society free of prejudice and finger-pointing.

During his term on the TRC, Boraine played an invaluable role in helping the nation deal with the conflict of the past and in building a future that all of us can share today.

We shall miss him, but we will be comforted by the fact that his legacy lives on.

Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Boraine, including former TRC chairperson Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who enjoyed a close personal and professional relationship with Boraine.