The Helderberg mourns the loss of respected community stalwart and acclaimed educationalist Professor Brian O’Connell.
The former Strand resident died from natural causes at his Welgemoed home on Sunday night (25 August) at the age of 78.
“The loss is difficult, but the family is coping out of sheer gratitude for the full life Brian has lived and the 78 years he was granted as a blessing on earth,” said brother-in-law Jeremy van Reenen.
He described O’Connell as the most patient and humble man he had ever known and, apart from his laudable achievements in education, Van Reenen admired him for his remarkable ability to make others, despite race, creed, circumstances or career, feel important.
“He will be fondly remembered for his invaluable role in education, but also a devoted family man,” shared Van Reenen.
O’Connell was born and raised in District Six, Cape Town. He attended Holy Cross Sisters’ School and matriculated from St Columba’s High School in Athlone. In years that followed O’Connell obtained a BA degree and Education Diploma from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), BA Honours in History (cum laude) from the University of Southern Africa, and MA and MEd degrees from Columbia University in New York.
O’Connell dedicated 41 years to a career in education, serving as teacher, principal, rector and superintendent-general of the provincial education department.
As professor in Education Leadership and Management, O’Connell served as rector of UWC from 2001 to 2014, leading the institution through significant challenges, including financial instability and the threat of a merger.
He successfully resisted the merger, secured funding and focused on rebuilding the learning institution as a premier site of knowledge production and an engaged university. O’Connell emphasised the importance of inclusivity, physical transformation of the campus and building international partnerships.
His legacy includes a strengthened academic core, enhanced infrastructure and a commitment to addressing societal inequalities through education.
UWC rector and vice chancellor Tyrone Pretorius extended their deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Judith, and his children Amanda-Leigh and Bryan, who shared in his remarkable journey. “Thank you for sharing your husband and father with us,” Pretorius said. “Professor O’Connell will be remembered in different ways by individuals he touched, but I have no doubt they will all remember his humility – from picking up litter on campus when he was the rector, to setting an example for the campus community, or the simple gesture of remembering staff member’s names – even, at times, their families. He was warm, affable and always dignified in immensely pressurised and challenging situations.”
Pretorius shared that the UWC flag will be flown at half-mast this week in honour and remembrance of the institution’s beloved former rector. “Rest in peace, Professor Brian O’Connell. Your legacy of hope, action, and knowledge will forever guide and inspire us.”
Van Reenen shared that part of O’Connell’s legacy is his efforts in the local community, where a street named after him in Casablanca commemorates his fight for homes for the needy. “May the locals remember him for the battles he championed in striving for a better future and improving the lives of others,” he said.
O’Connell is survived by three siblings, his wife, two children and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at UWC, on a date to be confirmed.
