Tributes pour in from across the world for South African peace advocate
South African Anti-Apartheid Activist Nicholas Haysom Passes Away at 73
South African Anti-Apartheid Activist Nicholas Haysom Passes Away at 73
Nicholas “Fink” Haysom, a renowned South African anti-apartheid activist, human rights advocate, and constitutional lawyer, passed away on Wed, Oct 12, 2023, at the age of 73 after a brief illness.
Haysom was residing in New York, where he served as the United Nations special representative for South Sudan. He played a significant role in drafting South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution and had a distinguished international career focusing on democratic governance, constitutional and electoral reform, and peacebuilding.
Chief legal advisor to Nelson Mandela during his presidency. Member of the African National Congress's Constitutional Commission. Worked to end ethnic violence in Burundi between Hutus and Tutsis in the 1990s. Contributed to the peace process in Sudan, leading to South Sudan's independence in 2011. Served as director for political, peacekeeping, and humanitarian affairs in the UN Secretary-General's office from 2007 to 2012. Held roles in Afghanistan with the UN from 2012 to 2016. Led the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan and South Sudan since 2021, with a brief tenure in Somalia.
Haysom was residing in New York, where he served as the United Nations special representative for South Sudan.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed sorrow over Haysom’s passing, recognizing him as a principled lawyer and a steadfast advocate of United Nations values. President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded Haysom for his dedication to justice and peace, while the African Union chairperson, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, remembered Haysom as a trusted partner and friend.
Haysom grew up in Durban in a family committed to racial equality. He pursued legal studies at the Universities of Natal and Cape Town to address apartheid injustices, becoming president of the anti-apartheid National Union of South African Students. During his activism, he faced imprisonment and house arrest.
Haysom is survived by his wife Delphine, their two sons Charles and Hector, and three older children, Rebecca, Simone, and Julian, from his previous marriage to Mary Ann Cullinan.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
