Professor AJ (André) van der Walt (1956 – 2016)

Posted on November 07, 2016

The Faculty of Law of the University of Pretoria has learnt with great sadness of the passing of one of its Extraordinary Professors, André (AJ) van der Walt, one of the greatest legal minds in South Africa and internationally.  The Faculty’s staff and students extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Prof van der Walt was an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Jurisprudence, University of Pretoria since 2010. In her tribute to Prof van der Walt the Head of the Department of Jurisprudence, Prof Karin van Marle, writes that 'It is with great sorrow that we heard the news of the passing of Prof André van der Walt on Saturday, 5 November 2016. Prof van der Walt’s dedication to scholarship was an inspiration to many. His commitment to critical questioning and refusal to accept the status quo served as an example of what the work of an ethical academic in present times should entail.  The main focus of his research was to seek for material equality between all. At a time when the idea of the university is severely challenged by the banality of bureaucracy, functionalism and pragmatism his legacy of democratic friendship, generosity and hospitality will endure.' 

Prof Van der Walt was a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Public Law at the University of Stellenbosch, the incumbent of the South African Research Chair in Property Law at the time of his death and since 2002 an A-rated National Research Foundation academic.

Prof van der Walt’s loss is shared by his wife, Christa, family, friends, former students and colleagues. A service in memory of Prof van der Walt will be held towards the beginning of the 2017 academic year (details to be confirmed).

Click here to read an eulogy of Prof van der Walt.

Image source:  sun.ac.za

- Author Elzet Hurter

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