The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is saddened by the passing of Professor Daan Cloete, who has, over many years and in various capacities, contributed to the success of this institution.
During his tenure, Prof Cloete joined UWC in the early 1980s and was the Dean of Theology and the Acting-Vice Rector. He was a teacher, a pastor and an author.
In 2005, he was awarded the Chancellor's Special Recognition Award. At the time, former senior lecturer at UWC, Dr Jimmy Ellis, lauded Prof Cloete’s considerable contribution to the University.
“Daan Cloete joined UWC after completing his doctorate with distinction in the Netherlands. A very popular minister of the church known for his calm and principled demeanour, his appointment as professor in the Faculty of Theology was regarded as a significant step in elevating the status of the Faculty and scholarship at UWC in general,” said Dr Ellis.
Former Vice-Rector, Professor Stanley Ridge, continued: “My first impression was of his gentleness, courtesy, intellectual rigour and refinement. That impression stands. What I did not see at first, in the heated political climate of the time, was the steely integrity of the man. As the years have passed, I have appreciated that more and more.”
Close friend, Professor Nico Botha, spoke about Prof Cloete’s dedication to the oppressed communities surrounding the campus. Despite being wooed by other institutions, Prof Cloete remained loyal to UWC and was determined to work towards the upliftment of the marginalised: “UWC’s commitment was his commitment. A commitment to justice, a commitment against apartheid and a commitment for a non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa.”
I worked alongside Prof Cloete and always appreciated his willingness to contribute to the University community and society at large, to share his time and knowledge for the advancement of the greater good.
Prof Cloete served as acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor, during the transitional period between the terms of Professors Jakes Gerwel and Cecil Abrahams. He was widely recognised for his intellectual role and for standing by strong moral principles, which earned him the trust and respect of so many colleagues and students.
Today, I pay tribute to Prof Cloete and the invaluable contribution he has made to academic and policy debate over the years. He played a critical leadership role during critical moments in UWC’s history. As such, he will be fondly remembered for his ability to balance sheer determination with a great sense of humility. He always displayed a calm and quiet disposition, often patiently thinking through complex matters before he reached a conclusion or expressed a view.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Prof Cloete’s family during this time. It is indeed a sad occasion for all in the campus community.
Prof Tyrone Pretorius
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
During his tenure, Prof Cloete joined UWC in the early 1980s and was the Dean of Theology and the Acting-Vice Rector. He was a teacher, a pastor and an author.
In 2005, he was awarded the Chancellor's Special Recognition Award. At the time, former senior lecturer at UWC, Dr Jimmy Ellis, lauded Prof Cloete’s considerable contribution to the University.
“Daan Cloete joined UWC after completing his doctorate with distinction in the Netherlands. A very popular minister of the church known for his calm and principled demeanour, his appointment as professor in the Faculty of Theology was regarded as a significant step in elevating the status of the Faculty and scholarship at UWC in general,” said Dr Ellis.
Former Vice-Rector, Professor Stanley Ridge, continued: “My first impression was of his gentleness, courtesy, intellectual rigour and refinement. That impression stands. What I did not see at first, in the heated political climate of the time, was the steely integrity of the man. As the years have passed, I have appreciated that more and more.”
Close friend, Professor Nico Botha, spoke about Prof Cloete’s dedication to the oppressed communities surrounding the campus. Despite being wooed by other institutions, Prof Cloete remained loyal to UWC and was determined to work towards the upliftment of the marginalised: “UWC’s commitment was his commitment. A commitment to justice, a commitment against apartheid and a commitment for a non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa.”
I worked alongside Prof Cloete and always appreciated his willingness to contribute to the University community and society at large, to share his time and knowledge for the advancement of the greater good.
Prof Cloete served as acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor, during the transitional period between the terms of Professors Jakes Gerwel and Cecil Abrahams. He was widely recognised for his intellectual role and for standing by strong moral principles, which earned him the trust and respect of so many colleagues and students.
Today, I pay tribute to Prof Cloete and the invaluable contribution he has made to academic and policy debate over the years. He played a critical leadership role during critical moments in UWC’s history. As such, he will be fondly remembered for his ability to balance sheer determination with a great sense of humility. He always displayed a calm and quiet disposition, often patiently thinking through complex matters before he reached a conclusion or expressed a view.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Prof Cloete’s family during this time. It is indeed a sad occasion for all in the campus community.
Prof Tyrone Pretorius
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
