President Ramaphosa Pays Tribute to Prof Terreblanche

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the family of political economist and author Professor Johannes “Sampie” Terreblanche, who passed away at the weekend.

Professor Terreblanche, who had a long association with the University of Stellenbosch, passed away on Saturday after a short illness at the age of 84.

President Ramaphosa paid tribute to Professor Terreblanche for having emerged from a background rooted in Afrikaner nationalism to establish himself as “a diligent and brave intellectual whose critical engagement on the political economy of the apartheid era and the current democratic dispensation made a significant contribution to discourse on governance and the economy,” said the Presidency on Monday.

“President Ramaphosa expressed his sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Professor Terreblanche. He said South Africa has lost a fearless, campaigning intellectual whose scholarship challenged apartheid apologists with inescapable, uncomfortable truths,” said the Presidency

NEF conveys condolences

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) joins the nation in mourning the passing of Professor Johannes “Sampie” Terreblanche, a patriot who had become a remarkable symbol of social cohesion after having traversed the journey from Afrikaner nationalist to progressive intellectual and an advocate for transformation.

His seminal book, History of Inequality in South Africa, 1652 – 2002, will remain a veritable text for all those seeking an authentic account of our country’s tragic past in order to build a durable, prosperous and inclusive economy. He will be remembered as a formidable voice and a bulwark against social injustice, racial capitalism and economic inequality.

“The NEF is saddened by his passing and wishes his family strength and peace. We are confident that as South Africa’s quest for transformation and growth continues to mature, more and more established businesses will embrace his legacy and forge lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships with their black counterparts,” says NEF Chief Executive, Ms Philisiwe Mthethwa.