Cape Town
Stellenbosch University said goodbye to its first black rector and vice-chancellor on Saturday, as about 1 000 mourners, including former presidents FW de Klerk and Thabo Mbeki, attended the funeral service of Professor Russel Botman.
Botman died in his sleep early last Saturday at his Stellenbosch home. He was 60.
Paying tribute to his father, Botman’s son Hayman described him as “role model, inspiration and anchor”. “He was not just our father, he was a father to many,” said Hayman, speaking with his sisters Lizelle, Ilse and Roxanne at his side at a service in the DF Malan memorial centre.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, former minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille were among those present, together with Botman’s extended family, friends, university staff and Stellenbosch residents.
