“Professor Brian O’Connell’s legacy is one of passionate conviction, intellectual clarity and engaged leadership.”
These are the words of University of the Western Cape (UWC) Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Pretorius, reflecting on the contribution of Professor O’Connell who died in hospital on Sunday at the age of 77.
Professor O’Connell served as UWC rector from 2001 to 2014.
“He took the helm at a time when the university was facing the aftermath of staff retrenchments, financial vulnerability, the significant loss of academic leadership, evolving enrolment trends, and a despondent campus community,” said Professor Pretorius.
“As we mourn the loss of a great man, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the lasting impact he has had on our university and our society.
“Among the many honorary doctorates Prof O’Connell received, he was also bestowed the title Commander of the Order of Leopold II from the Belgian government for his contribution to the global tertiary institution sector.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Judith, and his children Amanda-Leigh and Bryan, who shared in his remarkable journey. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with us.”
Professor Pretorius said the UWC flag will be flown at half-mast this week in honour and remembrance of their former rector.
Professor O’Connell, who was born in District Six and lived in Welgemoed, had been battling a disorder called aphasia, which had robbed him of his ability to speak, said his niece and academic, Professor Siona O’Connell.
She said she remembers her uncle for his hard work, humility and kindness.
“My dad was his older brother, and they were, in many ways, inseparable. He remained fit until the day he died.
“He loved walking and he had an incredible sweet tooth. If you’re going to visit Brynpie (his nickname), you get chocolates, cake, sweet things, and conversation,” she said.
Advocate Rod Solomons, a former head of sport in the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, said he held Professor O’Connell in high regard as a talented cricketer.
“We had loads of interactions about the need to address the sorry situation of school sports, especially our poorer public schools but unfortunately the budget was not there… He simply loved education and fully understood the importance of sport in the educational process of a child.”
A statement from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) said Professor O’Connell shares a special history with them as he played a pivotal role in the institution’s development from the former Peninsula Technikon to the university it now is.
“O’Connell joined the School of Education of the then Peninsula Technikon in the early 90’s as the Head of Department. He had a short but impactful stint at the institution, serving as the Acting-Rector and leveraged many of the international connections he made during his time as an academic scholar. His tenure saw the institution broaden its international footprint and attract funding and study opportunities abroad for many students and academics.
“Former colleagues remember O’Connell for his determination to improve the quality of education for people of colour. He set the early groundwork for the university’s research focus by pioneering an Academic Development Programme. He also worked closely with fellow education specialists on the National Education Policy Initiative (Nepi Report) which was the most definitive study of the various aspects of education at that time.”
CPUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Nhlapo paid tribute to Professor O’Connell.
“Prof Brian O’Connell dedicated his entire career to the betterment of the South African people through education. He set high standards for himself, but also for those he worked with, and the students he engaged with. He left a lasting impact wherever he was, and CPUT is no different.”
Community Chest of the Western Cape said in a statement that Professor O’Connell was their former board chairman from 2005 to 2013.
“He was a beacon of wisdom, leadership and compassion, whose influence extended far beyond our organisation.
“His dedication to ensuring that education was accessible to all left an indelible mark on our country’s academic landscape.
“During his time with the Community Chest, he championed programmes involving transformation through continuity and change – what we now call sustainability. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice guided our work to uplift communities and foster social impact.
“While we mourn losing him, we also celebrate the profound legacy he has left us with. His contributions will continue to inform both our work and the development sector for years to come. His vision and values will forever be woven into the fabric of the Community Chest and the communities we serve.
“Our heartfelt condolences to the O’Connell family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing is a significant loss, but his legacy will continue to remind us of the importance of compassion, leadership and dedication to the good of the public.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and former Minister of Higher Education, said: “Professor O’Connell was without doubt a visionary and charismatic figure in higher education with an unwavering commitment to an agenda promoting progressive education as a public good, and for equality and social justice.”
Professor O’Connell’s funeral service will take place at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, in District Six, on Saturday August 31, at 10am. A memorial service will also be held at UWC next month.
