UCT mourns the loss of former UWC vice-chancellor Professor Brian O’Connell

The University of Cape Town (UCT) and South Africa’s academic community has been saddened by the loss of a distinguished leader and visionary. Professor Brian O’Connell, who passed away on Sunday, 25 August, served as the rector and vice-chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) from 2001 to 2014.

Professor O’Connell’s tenure at UWC marked a transformative period for the institution. It was characterised by his unwavering commitment to maintaining the university’s autonomy, fostering engaged leadership and enhancing its academic and research standing both locally and globally.

Upon assuming the role of vice-chancellor at UWC, O’Connell’s vision was to build an environment in which the academic community did not shy away from the complexities of the world in which the institution functioned, but instead engaged with them critically and constructively.

However, he was faced with an array of challenges. Staff retrenchments, financial instability and a dispirited campus community, as well as the threat of a potential merger with Peninsula Technikon, posed significant threats to UWC’s longevity.

Reacting to news of his passing, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela lauded O’Connell for dedicating his life to improving the lives of the oppressed and disadvantaged in South Africa, saying his was a loss not only to the higher education sector, but to our country.

“He made a direct and deep impact on the lives of countless people. He was a model public servant, a visionary leader in education generally but particularly as a vice-chancellor at UWC. Against tough circumstances, Professor O’Connell was instrumental in steering the institution to the position of being a leading research university.

“Under his leadership, UWC pioneered high-level computational genomics in Africa and had the biggest concentration of astrophysicists in the country. His contribution was not confined to university borders and his national impact is no more evident than in his role in combatting the lack of knowledge and understanding around HIV and AIDS. As a result, he was made chairperson of Higher Education South Africa’s (HESA) strategic advisory committee on HIV and AIDS and represented HESA on the South African National Aids Council from 2005 to 2014. These are some of the achievements and qualities UCT considered when conferring upon him a Doctor of Education (honoris causa) degree in 2018 from the Faculty of Humanities for his engaged leadership in education and development work locally and abroad. To his family, colleagues and all those who knew and loved him, we as the UCT community express our heartfelt condolences”.

While delivering speech at Stellebosch University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Open Lecture on Monday, 26 August, Professor Moshabela requested a moment of silence in honour of O’Connel. Leading with compassion as well as an understanding that the university was not simply a place of learning but a beacon of hope and empowerment for marginalised communities, O’Connell was able to not only maintain UWC’s independence but also transform UWC into a leading research institution.

He was responsible for the establishment of state-of-the-art facilities like the Life Sciences Building, the School of Public Health, and the Chemical Sciences buildings. These developments were not just physical; they symbolised the coming of age of UWC from its origins as a “Bush College” to a respected academic powerhouse.

O’Connell also fostered strong relationships with other institutions of learning across the globe. This was crucial for attracting funding and partnerships that would enable UWC to grow its research capabilities.

He championed research and teaching that were directly relevant to the challenges facing the communities surrounding the university, ensuring that UWC’s academic endeavours were not detached from the lived experiences of those it served. He recognised that UWC, situated in the heart of a society deeply scarred by apartheid, had a unique responsibility to engage with the socio-economic realities of its context.

This commitment to engagement extended to O’Connell’s efforts in community service, where he prioritised imparting skills and knowledge to neighbouring schools and communities, contributing to their development and empowerment.

Throughout his career, O’Connell was known not only for his intellectual rigour but also for his humility, warmth, and affability. He led by example, whether it was picking up litter on campus or remembering the names and personal stories of staff members. His approachability and dignity in handling even the most pressurised situations earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him.

In 2018, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in education by UCT in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to South Africa’s tertiary education sector.

Reflecting on O’Connell’s legacy, it’s clear that he left an indelible mark on higher education. He will be remembered not only for what he achieved but for the spirit of dignity, humility and engagement with which he led. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide the university community for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Professor O’Connell. Your contributions to education and society will never be forgotten.

*Information gathered from the University of the Western Cape and Universities South Africa.