Professor Brian O’Connell, the University of the Western Cape (UWC)’s former Rector and Vice-Chancellor from 2001 to 2014, has passed away.
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This was disclosed in a media statement from the institution, which stated that O’Connell’s leadership had a lasting impact.
Professor Tyrone Pretorius, UWC’s Vice-Chancellor, described O’Connell’s legacy as one of passionate conviction, intellectual clarity, and engaged leadership.
He led UWC through difficult times, including financial insecurity, personnel layoffs, and a possible merger with Peninsula Technikon.
During his tenure, O’Connell faced an impending crisis when the National Working Group proposed a combination of UWC and Peninsula Technikon. The UWC community overwhelmingly opposed this recommendation.
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O’Connell led the opposition to the merger, fighting for the university’s autonomy and saying that UWC should not be penalised for historical inequities and underfunding.
‘He made the case that UWC’s ongoing commitment to providing an intellectual home for all, especially for working-class students, should not be penalized,’ Pretorius said.
Under his tenure, UWC entered a period of major rebuilding and reinvention.
The Life Sciences Building and other infrastructure developments, such as new buildings for other faculties and increased student housing, played critical roles in raising the university’s profile and academic standing.
Professor O’Connell also discussed UWC’s role as an ‘engaged institution,’ emphasising the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities through teaching, research and community engagement.
‘He firmly believed that UWC’s role was to critically engage with the complex realities of both the privileged and less privileged worlds of Cape Town,’ said Pretorius.
Despite his health issues in later life, O’Connell remained firmly attached to UWC, where he found joy and inspiration.
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The Belgian government awarded him honorary doctorates and the title Commander of the Order of Leopold II for his accomplishments.
In his eulogy, Pretorius emphasised O’Connell’s humility and friendliness, recalling his simple yet important acts like picking up rubbish on campus and remembering staff members’ names.
‘He was warm, affable, and always dignified, even in the most challenging situations.’
Also read:
A giant of SA’s higher education has passed: Viva, Prof Brian O’Connell!
Picture: @AlanWinde / X
