Statement by the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille
City mourns the passing of Professor Russel Botman
It is with deep sadness that we have learned about the passing of Professor
Russel Botman, the Vice Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.
Born in Bloemfontein, Professor Botman pursued a degree in theology and
went on to receive his doctorate at the University of the Western Cape,
where he served on the Students Representative Council during 1976.
Through his ministry he continued to fight for social justice.
Professor Botman made immeasurable contributions to the higher education
landscape and he was especially committed to transformation. His passion
for innovation and the social upliftment of the most vulnerable in society led
him to become the chair of the World Design Capital committee.
His departure is a great loss to this city and to our country. He will always be
remembered for the role he played in fighting against apartheid.
We think of his family and his students during this time.