The Extractive Industry Law in Africa Unit (EILA) is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a member of its Management Committee, Prof Christof Heyns.

Prof Heyns, a professor of Human Rights Law, former Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Director of the Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa at the University of Pretoria, played an instrumental role in the establishment of the extractive industry programmes in 2015, and EILA in 2019.

Though not directly involved in its day-to-day management, Prof Heyns was a member of the Management Committee of EILA since its inception and was actively involved in the strategic advancement of the unit on the continent and abroad.  Without his invaluable participation, the contemporary extractive industry programmes would simply not exist.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues, as well as those who were privileged to have had the benefit of his leadership, insights and guidance in the past.

Hamba kahle