Tributes have flooded in for celebrated analyst, broadcaster and author Eusebius McKaiser who died on Tuesday.
McKaiser’s manager Jackie Strydom told TimesLIVE he suffered a suspected epileptic seizure. She said he had gone about his day without any hint of illness.
“It all happened so quickly. His partner Nduduzo Nyanda is at the mortuary with his family. I am so distraught. I can't believe this,” she said.
McKaiser, a regular contributor to TimesLIVE, often spoke out on social and political issues, holding the powerful to account.
“As a political analyst specialising in South African domestic politics I write and speak on all aspects of the state of our democracy. As an author I write about social and political topics that engage questions of identity, race and racism, ethical questions of a more universal kind,” he described himself in a social media bio.
Rhodes University described him as a political activist who focused on “social and political topics that impact on our lives, and make people sit up and take notice”.
This was also how he was remembered by many close to him, who were left heartbroken about his death.
Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane said McKaiser’s death was “a tragic and unexpected blow to South Africa”.
“My deepest condolences to the McKaiser family and to all those who knew and worked with him. Eusebius was a passionate South African intellectual who pushed us all to think, to debate and to unlearn.”
I’m devastated to hear of the sudden death of Eusebius McKaiser. He was always such a professional and had the honour of working with him over many years.
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) May 30, 2023
Eusebius will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/hv8XeyQWAN
Rest in peace @Eusebius 💔 I AM SHATTERED 😭💔💔💔
— Xoli Zondo (MBA) (@XoliswaZondo) May 30, 2023
“Culturally coloured, politically black”
— Lance Witten (@LanceTheWitten) May 30, 2023
RIP Eusebius McKaiser, an intellectual giant, an incisive mind, an outspoken and fierce defender of truth and justice.
We mourn. Rest in power, king ✊🏽
This is a complete shock. I can not believe Eusebius has passed away. He still had a lot to contribute as a liberal analyst especially cos he was so young. I never agreed with him on his political views but I respected him. My deepest condolences to his friends and family 🙏🏾 https://t.co/RVuAjxCk2s
— Phakamile Hlubi-Majola💫 (@phakxx) May 30, 2023
I love you always and forever @Eusebius.
— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) May 30, 2023
Always. And forever. pic.twitter.com/z8QsoKqIGK
The news of this is still sinking in. What an incredible light that has just gone out. RIP @Eusebius https://t.co/rkD8BIcBhb
— David J Hornsby (@DavidJHornsby) May 30, 2023
Devastating news. I saw him only yesterday - full of life and plans and laughter. A hugely talented and profoundly generous broadcaster, public intellectual, and bold campaigner against bigotry in South Africa and beyond. @Eusebius https://t.co/jLkVbpHHCC
— andrew harding (@AndrewWJHarding) May 30, 2023
Eusebius was literally online two hours ago and now he is no more.
— Sheldon Cameron (@sheldon_cameron) May 30, 2023
Damn, may he rest in peace.
Wow shattered! Eusebius, this cannot be. What an immense loss to our media and nation. he was always willing to help @MediaMattersZA https://t.co/PrOyRajLTr
— William Bird (@Billbobbird) May 30, 2023
Death really is the weirdest and wildest thing. It actually has no timing.
— Tinashe Venge (@tnvenge) May 30, 2023
RIP Eusebius McKaiser.
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