The passing of Achmat Dangor has left us feeling bereft. He led the Nelson Mandela Foundation through a time of transition as Madiba stepped away from public life and mentored many of us in the process. Our thoughts are with his family, especially his partner Audrey and son Zac, at this difficult time.
Foundation Chief Executive Sello Hatang, who succeeded Achmat in the position in 2013, said: “He saw in me something that I could not see. And he always saw a glimmer of light through whatever storm clouds were gathering. This feels like the saddest and heaviest day of my professional life.”
Achmat’s multiple contributions to the struggle for liberation in South Africa and to the securing of democracy will not be forgotten. Nor will his support to Madiba at different times and in different roles. His was an extraordinary life, lived with courage, humour and a relentless honesty.
We will miss him. And we will always remember him.
