A letter of condolence from the UCT Chancellor

In a letter written to Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng, UCT Chancellor Mrs Graça Machel shares her deepest sympathies with the university community and the loved ones of Professor Bongani Mayosi, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, who passed away on Friday, 27 July.

29 July 2018

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice Chancellor
University of Cape Town

Dear Vice-Chancellor Phakeng,

It is with a heavy heart that I pen this letter of condolence on the untimely passing of Professor Bongani Mayosi, which I hope you will share with the University of Cape Town community and Professor Mayosi’s family. Please extend my deepest sympathies to his loved ones, as I know you are in touch with them as their main point of contact with the university during this difficult time.

I was shocked to learn that such a brilliant researcher, cardiologist and dedicated member of our academic community had been taken from us so unexpectedly. He made an indelible mark with his youthful and dynamic leadership as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences here at UCT, and his sharp intellect and dedication to his students will not be soon forgotten.

As a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa, a former President of the College of Physicians of South Africa, and an A-rated National Research Foundation researcher, with specialty in rheumatic fever, tuberculosis pericarditis and cardiomyopathy, he was an incredible asset to not only UCT, but the broader academic, medical and scientific circles of South Africa. A recipient of South Africa’s highest honour, the Order of Mapungubwe, Professor Mayosi was a shining star and one that we can all be proud to call our own.

I know his exemplary career path and his contributions to the health sciences community will serve as an inspiration to the faculty and students who were fortunate enough to have benefitted from his leadership. I can say without hesitation that his legacy will serve as motivation for generations to come.

Please do let me know if there is anything I can do to ease the painful sense of loss our students and faculty, as well as his family, are experiencing at this time. May we all be fortified by our heart-warming memories of Professor Mayosi and the example of excellence he embodies.

In solidarity,
Graça Machel

Chancellor, University of Cape Town

Read the original letter...