A lot can be said about a man who did not need everyone in a room to agree with him, just as long as they were talking.
That is the golden thread that links all the tributes that are being shared by South Africans as they mourn the sad and sudden death of broadcaster and author, Eusebius McKaiser.
He died in his Johannesburg home, allegedly after an epileptic seizure. He was 45 years old.
His Alma mater, Rhodes University, has shared a moving tribute to him, saying the university is in “deep mourning” over his passing.
He last visited the Rhodes University campus in February to attend the launch of the Mina menstrual cups aimed at fighting period poverty and to engage with students.
Director of Communication and Advancement at the university, Dr Luzuko Jacobs, described Eusebius as someone who was invested in the institution.
“This is a particularly sombre moment to hear about Eusebius McKaiser’s passing and to talk about Eusebius in the past tense. Eusebius was not only a graduate of Rhodes University; but he was a passionate member of our alumni network.
“He invested in this University. He invested in humanity. He was a formidable debater - he was someone who could engage with any topic. As the university, we cannot remember him except for matters cerebral.
“Someone who, by his own admission, had 'purple blood’ running in his veins. Eusebius would avail himself to feature in our alumni activations in whatever capacity designated for him.”
Dr Jacobs says Eusebius was very involved.
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“He did not just participate actively and passionately in alumni activities, Eusebius would travel to Makhanda and ardently engage with our students, paying it forward. That is the type of person that Eusebius was.”
In their statement, the university says they will never forget his contribution to the institution.
“We will miss him. We will miss his contributions, but as we do that, we are very grateful for what he has done for Rhodes University. For his responsiveness to our calls in the service of Rhodes University, its community and what Rhodes University stands for.
“He impersonated the ethos of this institution. He was a free spirit and a great human being. Rhodes University, its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, and all its alumni send heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. May his great soul rest in eternal peace.”
Eusebius wore many hats. He was broadcaster, journalist, author, political analyst and social commentator, among other things.
Nelson Mandela University’s Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast says Eusebius was a force to be reckoned with.
“This is a great loss. This is a sad day for our country. He never pulled any punches on topics such as race, gender and sexuality. He spoke truth to power. He was never on the fence. He did not even believe in non-racialism because the history of racism ought not to be erased.
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“Some people never liked him for the views he held, but he was always willing to engage in fruitful debates. He has even crossed swords with the DA’s Helen Zille and he was comfortable with talking to politicians about their views.
“Our understanding of political realities is a result of what is reported to us by the media. The relationship with the media is that of power and he understood that. He spoke his mind and he spoke for those who could not speak for themselves. He was the voice of the voiceless.”
Dr Khwezi Mabasa, another political analyst, says he has never personally interacted with Eusebius, but he enjoyed reading his pieces and listening to him on radio and podcasts.
“I didn’t agree with everything he said, but what I really liked about him was that he always created spaces for discussions. Most people want echo-chambers. Yet he had no problem with people who disagreed with him.
“He came out very strongly on important issues like race, something that many ‘independent’ people are unable to do. From each of his engagements you could tell that he was well read, tried to follow logic and generally reasonable.”
Dr Mabasa says while there are many podcasts available on the market, many of them discuss frivolous topics.
“There is an upsurge of podcasts about very superficial things. What Eusebius did, is what Robert Marawa does, and that is to bring great content. He always advocated for having important conversations on the bigger and broader nuances of issues. He was great because he was always willing to engage and elevate conversations. He had liberal views and took ideas seriously.”
