Tributes from some of the most respected scientific and research organisations have been flooding in for highly decorated and internationally renowned marine scientist, Dr Monde Mayekiso, who died this week.
The former Nelson Mandela University council as well as audit and risk committee member died on Monday.
Mayekiso amassed accolades and assumed leadership roles that made him a national and international figure in ocean governance, environmental policy and scientific diplomacy.
However, the father and teacher at heart was more affectionately known for his role in leading initiatives that created opportunity for young South Africans to study abroad at leading universities.
In a statement, university council chair judge Nambitha Dambuza described his passing as a tragic loss not only to the university, but to SA and the global academic and environmental science communities.
“His academic legacy is matched only by the values he lived by — discipline, curiosity, integrity and compassion,” Dambuza said.
“He brought not only technical brilliance to the fore, but a rare kind of wisdom that balanced rigour with empathy, strategy with humanity and critique with empathy.
“As we remember him, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals he held so dearly.
“Let us continue to fight for equity in education, for stewardship of our natural resources, for evidence-based policy, and for a society rooted in justice and human dignity.”
From the White Paper on Marine Fisheries in 1997 to the landmark Marine Living Resources Act of 1998, Mayekiso has contributed to some of the most important environmental policy frameworks available.
He held a PhD in Marine Estuarine Environmental Science from the University of Maryland, US, and sat on the boards of some the country’s most important environmental organisations including the Council of Geosciences — that also expressed its sincere condolences.
In offering their condolences to the family, the university also thanked them for affording Mayekiso the time, space and support to contribute significantly to the development of the institution and the broader scientific community.
A memorial service was held at the St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town on Thursday and he will be laid to rest on August 9 in Goso, Lusikisiki.
The Herald
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