The memorial service for Professor O’Connell took place in the Jakes Gerwel Hall at the UWC Main Campus in Bellville and was attended by his wife Judith and the couple’s friends and close family.
In his welcoming address, current UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, thanked the family for allowing the campus community to say farewell through his performance of his favourite music and tributes to their much-loved colleague and former head of the institution.
Prof Pretorius said that it was heartwarming for all on campus that Prof O’Connell would visit UWC regularly.
He credited Prof O’Connell for setting the university on an upward trajectory at a time when UWC lost many academics to a new democratic government and faced challenging financial times.
Prof O’Connell, he said, through key infrastructural projects, made UWC visible in the public domain.
“Even in his later years, despite facing health challenges and a loss of words, he continued to inspire us to be the difference we hope to see. His belief in UWC and his unwavering commitment to its mission have left a deep and lasting mark on all of us,” said Prof Pretorius.
Former Finance Minister, Dr Trevor Manuel, in his tribute, said Prof O’Connell instilled in him the passion for academic excellence.
“To me, Brian was always the educator's educator, the pedagogue's pedagogue. One who understood the process of education and was able to utilise every opportunity to persuade people. And when I think of myself and I think of the flame for education that burns within me, I credit Brian for that.”
Dr Manuel added: “What I can say without fear of contradiction is that Brian's style and commitment drew so many into his circle. His passing leaves a void that I hope leaders of the next generation will understand and step up to provide that quality of leadership.”
Former Minister of Higher Education, Dr Naledi Pandor, worked closely with Prof O’Connell in the early 2000s and said he was a true leader.
“Brian's contribution was always towards improving the curriculum, improving infrastructure in disadvantaged communities, enhancing teacher development for teachers, and teaching students in the most complex and difficult circumstances. So always his heart was towards excellent education performance, enhancing quality, and really ending this legacy that apartheid left to us of poor quality, poor attitude, and inadequate belief in ourselves. He had a strong sense of the competence that lies within us all and really was a person who encouraged everyone to do all that they can to do well.”
UWC Chancellor, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, said: “I want to underscore what many have said in newspapers and everywhere. Brian was a visionary leader. A transformative leader. A humble servant of our country and the University of the Western Cape. A fighter for UWC's autonomy, who was passionate and committed to social justice. A builder of hope. He was engaged not only with UWC but was engaged with communities around the Western Cape. Particularly the marginalised and those that are marginalised by apartheid.”
He added: “At the same time, he is remembered for small but symbolic things, such as setting an example by picking up litter on the campus and knowing the names of many, many of the staff. What a man! What an educator! What an academic! What a friend! What a husband and a granddad! Brian, we will miss you dearly.”
The University of the Western Cape is indebted to Professor Brian O’Connell and his family for the leadership he has shown throughout his tenure which will continue to inspire future generations.
Click here to view tributes at the memorial service.
