PRETORIA, 22 May 2022: In his Capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President David Mabuza conveys heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Namane Magau who served as an esteemed member of the SANAC Board of Trustees. Dr. Magau passed away at her Johannesburg home on Friday.
The Deputy President Mabuza recently appointed Dr. Magau as a trustee, where she played a key role in the implementation of a turnaround strategy towards a sustainable funding model for the South African National AIDS Council – a role she played with passion and dedication till the end.
An ardent scholar, Dr. Magau obtained her doctorate from Harvard University where she also served on its Board for Educational Review. She was a specialist in human resources, education, and women’s development and served in various capacities and roles for several well-regarded institutions. These include the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the former University of Durban-Westville (now UKZN). She also participated in the development of national strategies such as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) after South Africa’s democratic transition.
“We are grateful and indebted as a country to Dr Magau for the immense contribution she made in advancing our development aspirations. She selflessly used her skills broadly in a number of developmental roles, thereby making South Africa a better place. Her passing leaves a great void in the SANAC family, especially now as we intensify our policy-in-action efforts towards ending HIV and TB as public health threats in our country,” said Deputy President Mabuza.
The chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Bonolo Ramokhele echoed the sentiments of the Deputy President:
“Our time with Dr. Namane may have been quite limited in the Board, however, her invaluable contribution and presence will sustain us for years to come. As a young leader you need people of her calibre in your corner, and I am incredibly saddened to be robbed of her so soon. On behalf of the Board, I’d like to register our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Namane. May her gifted soul rest in eternal peace,” said Mr. Ramokhele.
For media queries, please contact:
- Nelson Dlamini, SANAC: nelson@sanac.org.za / 078 731 0313
- Matshepo Seedat, The Presidency: matshepo@presidency.gov.za / 082 679 9473