Cape Town - Stellenbosch University has named one of its residences after late rector and vice-chancellor Professor Russel Botman.
Huis Russel Botman House, which was completed this year, has been given the name of the man credited with creating a welcoming campus culture.
Botman joined the university in 2000 as a professor of ecumenism and public theology. He was appointed vice-rector in 2002 and made history with his 2007 appointment as the university’s first black rector.
Botman died in his sleep at his Stellenbosch home in June.
Huis Russel Botman House is due to be inaugurated next year.
The university management will acknowledge the first residents by displaying their names inside the building.
Phillip Swanepoel, head student of the residence, said Botman’s legacy would live on.
Botman’s widow Beryl said inclusive student housing had always been a priority for him.
“He valued residences as an integral part of student success. We, as a family, deeply appreciate the recognition of this passion in the naming of the residence to honour his legacy,” she said.
Around the time of his death, Botman was to leave for Scotland to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Aberdeen and appointed Professor Leopald van Huyssteen as acting rector.
“Botman had a passion for shaping leaders from a generation of Maties and the integration of students’ learning and living environments,” Van Huyssteen said.
“It is fitting the new residence will bear his name.”
When Botman died, former president Thabo Mbeki described him as an eminent fighter against apartheid and someone who sought every day to improve the lives of all South Africans, black and white.
“Like the humble servant he was, Russel did what he had to do. He truly belongs to the nation’s heroes and heroines,” Mbeki said at the time.
Cape Times